
s 






PS 3523 
.E37 J3 
1909 
Copy 1 




I 



n^^ '^ "JANE E Y R E." 
^V- \\ A Play in Four AcbS<, 
An adap-ai-ipn of Charlotte Brcnce's celebrated novel» 

^^^'---^rri'J -^ aHARACTERS. 

Jane Eyre,—-.— -' —— -An orphan- 

j:£rs« Reecl," -^- — i-^Her Aunt by marriage^ 

Gsorriana,- ■■ — -Mrs« Reed's daughter. 

Adele,"^ — — • • -i...,— ..A yoimg French girlo 

Bessie,-- «-".— — -A maia.. (Double v/ith Adele) 

The Maniac,—— — • • —- — 

Lord Rochester,- -"A cyniCo 

Ernest Rivers,— "-'•' -' —A young physiciana 

Revt Brocklehurst,-'-^ ^— A hypnotical clergymana 

John Reed,--"— --=--— --e.«-o^ libertine, 

Marshall,— ——-— ---—--.«. Butler for dieReeds« 

C&p-^, Theodore Greyj-^—- —..---► A young soldi er. (Double mi-h 

Marshall) 
Richard Mason,-— .From the West Indies. 

James,--.™ — -. ^ ^A servant „ 

SyNCPSlS. 

Act 1„ 

Gateshead Hall. The home of the Reedso 

Act II„ 

Thornfield Reception Hallo Lord Rochester's Manor House, 

Act lllo 

The same. 

Act iVa 

Scene I, Chspel in Thornfield, 
Scene2, Park and Tov^er of Thornf ield* 

■Act Va 

A cottage on the Rochester estate. 

^Ojul 2 tgesl 

|^>iVo. If' 36' 
^ft 2^ J909 

COPYRIGHT 1909 

- BY ALEX. BYEP' 



a^p 



;ene:> 



ACT 



Gatesheaa Ha U the home of the Reeds. A reception room. 
Sc^ne is a Avell airnishea interior wi ch four ope ran gs. Set as:. 



Interior Backing. 



2 ^!- 

J' 1 

-^-'1 







7 



^ 



\ 

n 



(1) Arch8i»» 12) Platform. (3) Steps leading to p laif or^, 
(•i) Fireplace. ■ (5) Couch. (6) Table and chairs. 17) Arm 
chair/ (8) Screen. (9) Doors. 

The arch R.U„£* is curtained, also arch L,U^£^ Seeps and 
platform abou ■- two feet high run off R,U.E, Arch L^U.E^s supposed 
to open into breakfast room. Door in L« boxing obliqued open, 
used for general entrancese Door R, has practical lock and keyo 
A fireplace aowi L, Fire burring, coal scuctle, 'congs, shovel, 
pokeretc. Lo-w English fire screen. Couch aown Re Large table C, 
'vi^-h chairs surrounding i «., nev/spapers, bottles, glasses, playing 
cards, etc., on table. Arm chair befo re fire, with f cot stool. 
Book shelves et back, oil paLnving orpororait of middle aged 
gen-. leman ab9ve book case, 

Al. rlsej- Music,. "The Jolly Roast Beef of Cld England^" 
Bessie a trim English parlormaid is busy pu voing the apartment 
i n order. She pi cks up the playing cards #11 ch are scattered 
aroiind t he f loo r by cable, restores chairs which have been upse^. 

CO nornfil position, Marshall a typical butler of the &mirk 
i-ype, middle aged, dress suit, socks and pumps, enoers while 
Bess ie is engaged ac above, 

Marshall 
I Say Bessie, did you know as how young Masier John came 'ome 
lawst ni ght. 

Bessie 
Cawn't I see it, 'aven*c I he^fes? Look at. this letter and rub- 
bi sh. 

Mar shall 
Yes, he came from London "squiffy", v/i ch an 'orse trainer. They 
sat at chat table aid drank and arank, like two boiled owlsa I 
i ad to pull Master John out fron under the table and carry 'im 
io b ede Bess ie 



^Vha'i. 5id you do with che 'orse trainer? I always 'ad gfancy for 
*orse trainers. 



Bessie 



Marshall 
( ^Sneers) Oh, you 'ad, 'ad you? Well, I look him by the am 
and Showed 'im xhe way v;o che "pub<." I'm taking this soda and 
branay now to Master John, but oh 'es seedy thLsmorring, ^The 
mi sus 'ao seno for Dr. Rivers ..o take a look at im« She s 
real cuu up ^out iii, 

Bess ie 
¥eIL if 1 was 'er, if 'e 'cut" hup any more I'd cut too« 
I'd cue off 'is allomnce as io is= She only cuts on t te ser- 
vants, 

Marsl^ll 
You ought to have 'eard what Master John said vhm I r.old 'im 
Jane Eyre was back 'ere^ 

^at did 'e say? 

Marshall 
"What, that little 'ell cat?" That's what 'e called ^er^ an 
*ell cat. "Say Marshall, 'ow does she ISok, as hugly as hever?" 
And 1 sez, sez I, 1 sez, no Master John, she's vastly improved, 
in. fact corny taste she might be called 'andsomSj and 'e saySj 
sez ^e, 'e sez, I'll take a squint at 'er to-morrowg ^d if she 
suits me I'll put her in my cdlectiono Then 'e laughedo The 
'orse trainer 'e laighed, and Because they was so f^iliar 1 for- 
got thav I 'was a digmfiea butler and I laughed^ In fact we 
hall of us laaghe^ aid then they took another drink » 

Bessie 
I 'eard Sie was serA to the Charityx schoolo They 'ated one 
another, 

Marshall 
Thqr did. Cne day *e 'it *er with an 'ammera She carries the 
scar now, but she got at *im and whipped 'im good. 'E was f cur« 
«een ',hen and she was Only tei^ that's ei^t years agOo 

Bessie 
^'relL, I dcn't think that a man a has any right to beat a woman 
u nless she loves *im. 

John 
( CutBide)(Cff R. dcor) i^rshall^ Marshall. 

Marshall 
'Eere si rj 

John 
Hurry with tthat brandy and soda, you damned sniaL, my head is 
splittings 

Marshall 
Yes sir, k yes sirj (Shanbles oiT R, door exit) (Bessie has 
gathered up eapty bo files and glasses, cigar stunps on tray., aboui 
"£0 exit L, door in boxing, runs into Brosklehurst who enters) 

Br 00 klehur st 
• Ahem ahemi (Pompously clearing his throat) Young woman, look 

uv , look out where you are going. 

Bessie 
Ch hexcuse me, sir« 

Broc kleh\irst 

1 will excuse you just this once, but dox't let it ever occur 
again. 

Bess ie 
( Dropping a courtesy) 1 shai't sir. 



/ p 

** " * Brocklehurst 

rmat' (Looking at Bessie's hair) Do my eyes dece ive me. V/hy, 

your^ha^r i s curled. {Holds up hi s hands and groans m horror).. 

a^ vaS.y. mcKea vanity „ Thi s i s no. mor^ i^ xcatxon of the 

y^^ts of the flesh. A maid servant ^.o. th her hair curled. 

Bess ie 

'" Timidly) It. curRs naturally, sir^ 

, j-mxa-iy; Brocklehurst 

^ Traps, iencly) I have nothing to do mth nature, V/here nature 
is" extravagance, vain gloriousness and temptation from the paths 
fi. righteousness, nature should be cij-tailedo You are m dangl- 
er, girl, in danger. 

Bessie 

I ' op es no c , sir a 

Brocklehurst, 

Ch, bui you are, 1 shall speak to your Mi stress Mrs. Reed- In 

your inferioura and servile position in life, beware the hissing 

V!h± ^er of .he serpent in your ear*. 

Bessie 
(Gecrgianna enter R„RaU„E,) (Bess le trying to edge offj I will 

sir J 1 mil, 

Brocklehurst 
Remember -what this honied venom did to Eve, then think how Mam 
suffered. If Eve had not listened to che serpent j, there would 
have b een no need of milliners or dresaoaakerSj no f lorbelowsj no 
frills, no hsi.raresserSo Girl if you hope for grace^, straighten 
oui. your hair, wear it plainly « modestlye 

Bessie 
But if 1 cannot make it straight,, sir, 

Brocklehurst 
Then cuv i c off, Becter be bald headed than a brand fit for the 
btirringo Go] (Bessie exits) Good morringa Ahi (Turning and 
seeing Georgiana)' My dear Miss Georgiana^ If 1 may make so 
bold as to say, you are looking po si tively charming. That rose 
in your hair i s so beconing to your si:yle of beauty ~ your - 

Georgiana 
Now Brociiy - Brocky - doi *t be a bore « 1 heard everything you 
are trying to say tome a score of times at the ball last night, o 

Brocklehurst 
Ah, the Garrison Ball,, My wife and daughter were ^here^ 

Georg iana 
I believe so. I literally dancedmy slippers off my feet» Then 
Captain Grey asked me oo sit ouc, and he said the loveliest 
lilings tome in the c on servat ory p and then Lord Punkhead doweled 
by, 

Brockhurst 
Lord Punkhead" yes - (enr^tuxBd) I do s o love aLord,, and what 
did Loi-d Punkhead say? 

Georg iana 
He never says much, excepting (mimic in g) "Really" aid "what a 
bawhJ Bu o he looked ■» and «> 

iBrcc klehurst 
Ho w di d h e lo^ok , 

Ge org iana 
He lo^oked like a calf -siio had chanced upon a quar^ of champagne 
and f ini ^ed i c. 



Brocklehurst 

Ch \ihaiu a simile for a British peer, 

Ge org iana 
Yes, he olid cry to tell a little sc cr y, a little French SLory, 
rather risque^ but he dried up before he reached the point so 
I Ja f inislsd it. for him". (rather risque in quality, you might 

say equivocal) 

Br ocklehi;r St 
(Smiling and point in g hi s finger at h er paternally) Ch fie 

Miss Georgianas fie. 

Ge org iana 

( Not. heeaing interruption) I ttelL i t v er y -■^/el 1 . 1 heard it 
•first frca your elder daughter, {Br coklehu rst c cu ^s ) V/hen I 
TCt thrai^ Lorn Puhkhea d laughed "Ha, hav;, say you're a deuced 
ripping girl„ Haw, hav/, '' (Marshall re-enters, (iic ks and dodges 
a book'^-which is hurled after him, the boot hits Brocklehurst in 
cYe b ac ko He turns and picks it up) 

Brocklehurst 
( To l^ilarshall) ^''hta is the moiring of this? 

Marshall 
That's 'is booko Look hout 5, look hout , sir, 'e may throw the 
t her one, (Closes the door) 

Brocklehurst 
He, whOo 

Marshall 
Young i&ster John, siro (Takes boot) 

TSiho . Ge org iana 

(To Brocklehurst, flocks up inquiringly) Yes, my prodigal brother 
tired of Londcn, and the husks thereof have returnad^v 

Brocklehurst 
Ah„ che dear boy« WeHj boys will be boys. We must be charit« 
able toward Hi e errors and escapades of the youth belonging to 
our good old substantial families^ So Young Mr* John is 
back sgainj. and your esteemed mother will kill the fatted calf 
for ham eh^ 

Georg iana 
Patted calf, W^ell, v,he best John can expect from her chis time 
is cold veal and very little of that*. (Mrso Reed enters L^ 
Rivers folloving) 

Mrs o Reed 
Giod mJjrning Mr. Br osklehurst^ You're ear][y, 

BrocklSiurst 
I was eager my dear madame^ to obey your honored note.^ (to 
Rivers stiffly) Your servant, docv^or/ (Rivers bows to him 
coldly^ 

Rivers 
( To Georgiana) Mi is Georgiaia, (Georg iana bows to him and 
Smile 3„ ) 

Mrs« Reed 
I s your yoiing giaster awake MarshaJ-lo 

Marshall 
Ch yes ma'am, he's awake, ma'am. (Mrs* Reed goes over zo door R., 
l<no cks) 

John 
(Cui^siae R) Who the devil's therei If i -,'s youMarshJall, open 
Che door, I want t hi t you with the other boote. 

Mrs o Reed 
Iw is I your mot her J John.^ 



Ifl. 



J ohn 

{ Cut: s lae ) ^IJh at cL o y o "u. want ? 

Mr So Re e d 
I senr. for Dr. Rivers,, My poor boy. I warn; co see if he can't 
uiake'vou feelbeiaer. See him, wcn'T. yoi,.? 

J ohn 
Tro-u him ^n Trot the sav/ bones in ana tell Mash all r. o bring 
u.e f-anemorB brandy, and some ice, if he can get any in "chis bar» 
barous hole of a pi ace „ (Mrs., Reed signs r. o Marsnalx -mo nods 
vnderstanflingly and exits int o b reakxasT; room; 

Mrs , Reed 
(Calls after Marshall) And Marsha].!, serve b reak fast in ha3.f an 
hour^ You m s^ go m, Doctor. ^Rivers exits R) 

Ge rg iana 
1 chink I'll go and see T,\h at i s in the mail bag^ 

Mrs .-. Reed 
( To Brccklehurst) You knov/ -why 1 sent for you? 

Brccklehurst 

I su sp ec t ed « 

Mrs 6 Reed 

I t was about Jane Eyre.. 

Br OG kl ^u rst 

So -C suBpssedc 

Mrsc Reed 
You know iihe trcuble 1 haci. with her u^en a child before I placed 
her in your charge at Lowod School = In x.hDse days dne was such a 
burden to be left on my hands j and so much annoyance as she 
caused, me with her incoinpreheasible aispositionj her sadden 
starts of tenders her continuous unn-atural -vetchings of one^s 
movements'., I hated her as I would a li tt le fiend^ and now she's 
back again, here in py house to torture me with her presence*^ 
\7hy didn't stie Ole at your charity school Tshen the typhoid fever 
broke out there and destroyed so many of the pupils? No, she 
did not die« She will live to call back memories of the past« 

Brock-lehiirst 
Calm yourself my dear madamo. 

I\irSo Reed 
She seems like her mother's ghost cOme b ao k on earths I can see 
her now with elfish eyes gazing at k me., She wasmy husband's 
a n3.y sister.^ and 7,;hen the news same of her death, he broke down 
and cried like a fool. He insisted on serri.ing for thebaby^ Jane„ 
a s ickly.- v/hinyc, pining tiung., ao.dhepitied it, nursed it and 
petted i t„ as if it had been his own.,. She st cod in the v/ay of my 
m children "chen., me stands in their way now,, 

BrockJ-8hu rst 
"^b-y how can tha;fc b e^, my dear madame.. 

Mrs, Resd 
( Passionately) Ch,,, you woiild understand early ex^aigh if you knew 
the facts. My husband^ an hour before he died bound me by oath 
to keep the creature, 1 would as soon have been charged v/ith a 
pauper brat cue. of the T?,orl-: house ,, Yes,, I hated Jane %Qre wh m 
Che was a child as a coupound of d^iplicity ai), d virulent tempsr,:v 
(Jane enters R^U.^E,, she carries portfolio a?.d s.ketching part s) 
^ou have curea. her of her temper m. your charity orphan schoole 

Bra; klehurst 
¥e certainly show r.he oi-phan g i.rl that proper humility should be 
practical. 



Mrs. Reed 
But now that she is grown to wonaihood mth her meek quakerish 
ways and calm searching eyes which seemx to read my very soul, .. 

hat-.e Jane Ey&re more„ 

Jane 
{ Coming dowi) I know that, Aunt Reed, and 1 ^11 soon relieve 
you of an sight of me* I hope this tJjne forever^ 

Mr So R & Brcoklehurst 

Liscening, ehe 

J fine 
By chaice and not intent. My presence un,der this roof is nou of 
my ov/n seeking- I ^was forced to give up my position, as teacher 
at Lowood schoolo I could not remain longer^ 

Mrso Reed 

Tjhy - why <» 

Jane 
Ask him « {Pointing to Brcoklehurst) Perhps he will ans^.ver but 1 
don't thinJ<: he will.. 

Mrs c Reed 
Do you ftmovf out insinuations against the clraracter of this 

worthy man™ 

Jane 
If the vime over cones forme to speak I will not insinuate « I 
paint him in his true odors* (To Mr, BrockLehurst) You did me 
the service I understand, of advising my Aunt t o burn up my poor 
lic'ule store of books „ 

Br ockle hurst 
I did, (Virtuously) It is immoral for a g irl of your agej that 
s J an orphan girl and a dependent on the GlrB.rix.y of your escim"= 
able Auntj t o possess the works of Sh^espeare, By ron^ Goldsmith, 
Thaokery^ etCoj besides it is a waste of time> It is your des^ 
tiny to tccLl an.d earn your bread by the sweat of your brow, and 
not indijlge in Vanity, idle (3ay dreams^ and such golden rules as 
paintirjg, drawing, music and the like = 

J ana 
I mil not argue the ethics of the case Mr.. Bro3klehurst you will 
soon pt£;s out of my life., 1 do no t deplore the eight years of 
my girJhood spent in the semi charity institution over vhich yoti 
presideo The physical discanforts of cdd an d hunger are now but 
memorieSg the petty tyrannies, the cant, the hypocricy, are 
warning beacons of sins we should avoido The beautiful nature of 
my cMld friendj Helen Burns , and the example of Miss Temple, the 
noble womar^ your lata head teacher, both helped to mould my 
character's Donst fear Aunt Reed, 1 an no longer a misunderstood 
and cortured little savagej, I'm realJ.y a disciplined and Subdued 
beings 

Mrso Reed 
X hope so'., 

Jane 
I knov/ soo My old phase of life is abou g closing;, annthar v-Tsi_-a 
Is opening to me, a new servitude^ and it is welcomej so welcomeo 
I thank you Mrs, Reed for the shelter you have given me this week, 
and Uncle Reed in Heaven t/ho loved me ^«e H appro/es of what you 
have dotie* I am grateful"., 

Ivlrs, Reed 
Is thi s some of your sarcasm - because 1 had you eat with the 
servaitSj, and because you have drudged at si sewing for the house- 
hold while here? 



Jane 
T y.^r^ reasea being a pauper for three years MrA Brocklehurst, 
.,n" I ea?'.ea my !iv .'g at, a sraall ..ipend a. .r.der teacher .n 
vSSr CchDon, What money my Aunt has experdsd on me , should... 
T^ Tll'ie refuna.e.d to the last farthing. 1 ^'sce ivea a le..er 
-chL. morning ofTerlngme a position of govornass in Milccfcte xn 
this same Shire » Br. Rivers helped me to p roou.lre i to I leave 
to=.aayo 

\nztt>v.% your Aimt's permission, your Mnf,, vho is your legal 

guard i an o 

Mrs» Reed 
Let her depart, I ^ell b a g .l£id - glado Come, let us go in to 
br e air fast Mr o E r o cklshuTS t o ( Ex it in t o L « U „ E . ) 

Bro ckl elTix rst 
{Watches ha- off) (Steals over to Jane) Don't rep es.t any tales 
abou-c me. T)on't for if you d o^ I'll ^ I'3J. ™ 

Jane 

(.Ga3mly) v-ou.'ll vhat? 

Bro ck Is hurst 
I ai denDunce them as falsehoods. (Seeing Ri\^.rs who r&^ent&rB :^. 
and all liars mil have their po rt ion in the lafce burning with 
fire and b rimstonsa 

Jane 
What an awful fortune you are laying up for yourself^ (Broclcle- 
hijirst speechless wi uh in dignat ion;, exits LaU<.E-) 

Rivers 
How rep ell ait is ihla man, his hypocricy disgusts ms -= 

Jane 
And his assumption of piety is so transplant and so •=;;hallow, a 
child might see through him « A strar^e compound of ignorance., 
pomposity and fawning ominingo If he were not so loat.hesome, 
he mi ghx b e 1 aughable'o 

Ri'vers 
It. .i. smenofhis cla«S -who are the worst erji ernes a true religion 
can encounuero ThehaJf forned soul groping for the truth seeing 
a grewsome spect re like Brccklehurst in i-c's path will turn 
aside and drift into in fidelity o He hates bo th you and me? „ J ana.. 
X alwayy feel lilse kicking hlm.s, 

Jane 
It is not violenoe tlrafc best overcomes hate, no r ve rgeaiice that, 
Biost certainly heals inju iy« 

Rivers 
M^ you say that Jane^ but 1 can see a latent gleam in your eyes 
■Ti9l:iich belies your entire tru2?t in what you sayo 

Jane 
Perh^s I an still wetchedly ctefect ive^ I fear 1 m -^ 

Rivers 
Nb^ 3.i tt le woman, you are as g cod as gQ3.d., Bu c te H. me.-, you 
r^lly haire the place as go-yerness at Thornfield* 

■ ' Jane 

Yes, my dear friencl,. through your kind rec ODme^iOat ion I am going 
there this morning. Be li eve me, I am gratefulc 

Rivers 
Don't speak of itj Jane, 

Jany 
Oh but I must. 




Rivers 
Do you remember #ien ^ first met Jane? 

Jane 
ji it were yesteraay. When the ^raale of fog breft pestilence with 
.te" quickening spring breathed typhus ^'^'^S^^^l^fJ^tltl?^"" 

11 at 

you 
orvB tiineo i^eauii wao ci xiVH^^*'- "-- _ - - -- 

toiling and battling to flr ive out t;he flreaded sc curge. and one 
day 1 spoke to you half fearing a rebuff- You looked so grave, 
haggard, ^a ch strenuous days and toiling nights, but you smiled, 
aids aids "^at is it little woman." 

Rivers 
Yes Jane, you have always been "little wtoan" vith me. (Pause, 
Jane Silent) ^^ell, you said "please sir, Mr„ Doctor, I want vo 
help you« I want to be of. some u se." Then I said m my base pro.= 
f 6 s s i ona 1 ma nne r^ s On et. hi n g li k e B r oo kleteu, rsEt »> ■ 

Jane 
HorrorSp no ching like hi gin You said simply j, "Little woman, go 
and pi By in -^hs woods like a gypsy fr ac, morning till night, 
then yov. won't get ths fsver«" 

Rive rs 
And th ^ you said "Please '^irs, I wan'C uo ,i~.ui-se Helen Bums, she's 
been awful gODd t o m e« She hasn't the fever ,, sir,, but consimp" 
jr,iCi-u YoLi h&'^e so mi;ch ^o do with saving T.he OT:hers sir, te-ll 
Eie what Zo do and let me burse her^. " And I consented-, Jane you 
were a faithful little nurse to the end<- I'll never forget how 
Hi 3s Temple and I fcund you the dawn of one morning, lying in a 
li'i^tle crib by the sick girl's bea. ^ your face against- Helen 
Burn's' Sioulder, your arms around her neck^ you were asleep, and 
Helen was ■= dead.. (Pauye) (Marsha:^,^! enters L^ carrying a de^ 
carjger and bowl of ice, goes R,)(Ri-v«rs stops him) Wait a mOmen" 
dwn't take that in there,, Yozm young mas'cer is my pacient now,-. 
Take Ghi s away., (Pointing to (^canter) Bring a bottle of plain 
coda in steady You ro. ay leave ohs iceo 

Marshall 
Yes sir^ (Leaves bow 1 on table) (Exits with decanoer) 

Rivers 
Be is dr-unk nowg no need of making matters vvorse, 

Jane • 
I hope to gs away befi) re he sees me„ 

Rivers 
You can't get overyour childhood repug ranee ^ 

Jane 
Sincerely g, 1 can't ^ thatSs ftij 1 am hastening to get to Thorn" 
fieldc John Reed has always been an ogre to my fancy,: 

Ri "vers 
I hope you v/cn't think the same thing of Lord Rochester, Jane, 

Jane 
Lord Rochester I 

Rivers 
Your new Master did not know -who you were going to W0«yk for, 

Jane 
A Mi ss Fairfax, 

Rivers 
She is the house-ieeper, a worthy wonan, and your pupil is a 
young French girl nearly as old as you rse If „ She's a charming 
child " you will like her„ 



Jane 
^ma\- sor-c of a man is Lo m Rochester, 

Rivers 
An enigma co che to rid, general3:y,, a few aamirers, a ho sv of 
enemies, sane friends, no intimates,, a scholar, a cynic, bu-. 1 
believe always a gentleman. 1 an anxious to learn how you will 
get a long oogethero 

Jane 
He will probably be unconscious of ray very existence. 

Rivers 
Have you ordered a fly to take you to the station? 

Jane 
(And ou ^.side) Yes, my box is corded and 1 aa ready to go no Y>r. 

Rivers 
I '11 go and see if che conveyance is waiting while you mlee your- 
self adieuxo (Exit Lo door on side) 

Jane 
C ught 1 no 1. b.e gratefti 1' Heaven has be no me these clianges. My 
long years of suffering are all forgotten now in chLs one glad 
moment of sn t ic ip at ion c The rocky barriers whi ch hemmed me in 
are rent, and the ivorld, the bright the glorious woria., it's 
doors are opened to me at last. It seems as if 1 were entering a 
dreams a beautiful dream« (To back, looks at picture) Uncle, 
dear Uncle Reed, my mOt her, my brother, may your blessings from 
Heaven fall on the orphan whom you so cherished and guide her 
/.hrough the great unknown into which she is drift irig« (V^ipes 
her eyes) 

Georg iana 
(Re-ea^-ers) (Picks up Jane's bonnet which she has left on chair, 
examines it contemptibly with a side glance at Jane9a crosses 
stage c o RoUa) 

Jane 
S am going away this morning Georgianas and p rctoisly may never see 
you again'. 

_ . Ge org iana 

No „ ( 1 nd iff 6 . o n- ]y , y awnin g) 

Jane 
I thought I wculd like to say good-bye., (Holding ouu her hand) 

Georgiana 
( Ignoring her proffered hand) AJJ. right. (Plipp an -.ly and 
turns away) 

John 
MarshaJJi (Encer Ro door) Marshall you damaed old sneak, what 
have you done with my other boot« (John is canpletely dressed in 
riding cosfum^ .lacking the one boot^Hat on^ riding crop and all. 
He i s red faced and slightly drunk) Hello Georgie» (Limps to 
her) v;i"iere's my booto Come kiss your brcLher. 

Georgiana 
Not lo You reek of the stable. Keep away from me, (Pushes him 
off ) 

John 
Well, -vhere 's that damned Marshall. He didn'o b ring me the 
brandy and he's got my Other boot,, Damn him* 

Gsorg iana 
Keep your oath for your chosen circle of racint touts, stable- 
men and swell mobsmen<. 



John 

My fri-eoas are just as good as yours, sticl my language is just as 
re^tnea- I krcw a3.1 abouc your set v/ivh your cigarettes m pub 
lie and cocktails in tea cups, your dwager cats, your spmstef 
cabbies, and your debutante purries. You all belong to the whole 
aamn cat family. stab 1 es , ehi ^at do you say to that* 

Georgiana 
Say. I say you'd better go to bed and sleep it off, or better 
stiil- here's your boot - (picks i t up and throv/s it at hxs head) 
go mounc your horse and ride to the dev al, and rid mother and 

lae of a nuisanceo 

John 
Thanks, oh thanks, dear sister, I'll ride out to the "pub" and 
see a friend of mine frcm Londono (Pulling on boot, sits on 

couch) 

Ge OiTg lana 
I hope you'll break your neck before you get tlfcreo (Exit 'R>VI,,E, 

(Marshall enters) 

John 
Oh here you are* Where's that brandy? (Goes to table C« rapping 
^on i c with riding 3Bte crop) 

Marshal 
Please si r^ Dr", Rivers said as how you were to 'ave this hin^ 
stead o (Places soda bottle on table) 

John 
(Grabbing the bou'cle and aiming * blow at Marshal who dsdges 
him) ■ V^^aL the clevil hs ^t\ Rivers got t o do T-vith what I eat or 
drirtko (Sees Jane who has retired down L^) Hello, whB,t's that? 

Marshall 
■Why, she's her, sir^ 

John 
Ch,, She's her, is she? And who may her be? 

Marshall 
Jane Eyre^ sir'<, 

John. 
Jaae E^re? What ^ the imp that -went to the charity school? Say 
(coarse Ty) Turn aromdhere and let's see how you size up? (Jane 
7,urns and looks him square ]y in the eye) Vi/hy you haven't turned 
•crat such a b ed looking ii lly after alio Do you know who I am? 

Jane 
I mo"p 

John 
Then T. don't have to be introduced, do 1? 

Jane 

John 
( To Marshall) Say Marshall, get out^ you're m the way o (Mar«p' 
§ha3.1 grins, ©cits LcU.E J (To Jane who is about to fo1J.ow) St. op 
where are you going? 

Jane 
To bid your mo ther good-bye, 

John 
Are you goijig away? Where? 

Jane 
To a place a fewmiles ftway from hereo 

John 
To do Tf^iat? 



am. 






^3jg?5S^- 



-12-P „ 

Jane 

To Tiforko 

John. 
To work? I know lots of girls no heU.&r looking vhan you ^^ho 

acn 't ha/e to work,. 

Jane 
They are for^-unate perhapSo 

John 
No'J (Leering) The world :? calls -chem iinf orfcinate, ha, ha, ha- 
i 'aiighs coarse;Ly) Say^ cone over here and sit beside me, 

Jane 

No„ 

John 

Bu c 1 wan'L t o talk t o you<, 

J ane 

I h are n't tineo 

John 
Then make -tine, Ch no I am no "c going to let you gO uncil I've 
had my say„ {Hvns after her , grabs her arm, brings her down the 
stage«) 

Jane 
John Reed^ lee go of my anno (Shakes him off) 

John. 

ao„ ^.'hat a high spi rited, nettlesome little filly it is, jusi. 
my s?. ylsc Say,., aren't you afraid of me? 

Jane 
(Looks at him) Not the least litt.le bit., (Pause) 

John 

1 want to cQne to an, understanding m. r-h you,. Mocher's brought me 
down here to leaM. a sim.ple li fe^ and it's going to be awful dull. 
Now I >«/ant. sQjD. ebody to Snuse me.. The farmer girls around here 
don't appeal to my city taste at all« You see; how you and 1 
can b e p rett J- goo d fr ienfls.-; Chj don't 3.ook so innocent 5 you know 

what I meanj, and ■^len. 1 can get some more money OLit of the 
Moter, you and I can go up to Londai., 'P/tiat do yoLi say? 

J ane 
'This,, John Reed» I hated you v/nai you 7/ere a boy. I despise you. 
K.ow that you are ca3-lsd a man.= The smiling,; cowardly bulLly ha-s 
grow5i into the sjeJi'ish besothsa libertine,, a disgrace to r.he 
K.aixi.e which your good father bore »^* a living reproach to your in^- 
dulgenx mo cherj> a libel on '-he naae of man-, 

Joi-jxi 
■'I^liy, Tsrou mi serable li ttle p axp er ^ do you dare -=-■ 

Jane 
Yes J I dare'o You can't frighten m. e now., John Reed^ as you did 
when you were a great husking lad arjd I a 3.i ttle child 5 That 
time is past;, I am a pauper as far as xhe world's goods go., 
hut i av^ rich in l^onest purpose and purity '-Jf hearty, '.'h.i'ch yoLi h 
have never known and wi3..1 ne\rer know, 

Joh.a 
y. Ve me"b your kind b efo re , and I Ve broken j-hem in^ Do you 
want me to make you the talk of the household before you leave, 
and scorn o f th e whole village? 

J an e 
I def y you.;, 

ri Johji 
¥e *11 see, (Seizes her. trying t kiss hs") 



■ Jane 

Let me ^o you arv^:~lzen bea?.t. (They struggle over by the table, 
She breaks a^ay. she grabs i^P h-u,iir,ins crop v.h.i. ch li es on the 
cable strikes him o ^;er the head with i r, , beating him into in^ 

senkbilit y. saying) Y-xx b east » you beast . Uoh^ falls 
down H)(Cmtxes' enter, Mrs c Reecl an d B r oc Id eha rst irom L.U..,E., 
IZarshaLl &c3aa behind dcor with Bessie, Ri^^ers fr oi. left side, 
Gfcorgiana aoTOi iV an R^U.E.) (Mumurs of astonishment; 

Mrs .-. Reed 
Whd* has happened! ^'Jhat does this mean? (Crosses down t o C. to 

John) 

Jane 

Mrs. Reed, it means that your son has in sul ced me. He proposed, 
u nder his mother's roof that 1, che orphan dependent^ should be- 
cQne his mi stress , and 1 have puni shed him as he deserved. 

Mrs , Reed 
She has murdered my poor boy^ send for ,,he Policed 

Rivers 
Take my advice and do nothing of r.he kin a, unless you wibh to see 
your son in jail, Jane Eyre is not altogether frisid].ess here, 
for I 'ii stand by her to the ende Come Jane, ;he driver awaits 
io take you' to your new home,, (Gathers up portfolio and Jane's 
gloves, etc a) 

Mrs, Reed 
Jaxie Eyre, you shall suffer yet for all the worry you have 
caused me. (Music plain cive) 

Jane 
Its. Reed, ^-^hatever tr cable I've cause ^d, I repent^ and in your 
last, hour ishen che bi aer tears of repentance flow fi-om your 
eyes for Uie cruelties you have practiced on che orphan girl^ 
yiheti the dead sea fruit you have so carefully garnered^ turns 
«o ashes, my prayers shall join with yours to Heaven's high seat. 
that God will grant your unhappy soul forgiveness-, (Music 
swells) (St arts for door L^) (Picture) 



C U R T^ A I N; 
If 11 It ti It It ti 



A C T II, 

Seen e: •- 

One year later o Recept- ion Hall St, Tho rnf ield To\v8r, 



1 



«2 



3 4 4_ 



•4: '— i 



\ 



4 



9 



6'lZ3 7r~!-lC /8> 



a 



\/ 



(1) Palace drcp for backings (2) Platform in front of saraes 
about four feet hi ght> (3) Steps dom fr cm. sauie, C. (4) Pal- 
ace arches in front of platform with masking pieces. (5) Arch .in 
L. DoorRo (6) Sofa Ro of C^ (8) Arm cteir, Ctt Quanc 
{ 7) Earge table and chairs C. (9) Meda3.1ion, (IC) Candol- 
abra m th candles lighted on table C„ 

No-ce:"" Arch Lc ourtainea.-^ All the bric-.^-'a^-brac and 
decorative pieces obtainable to richly furnish the scene,. 
At rise:- Enter Jane and Rivers fron L^. arch) 

Rivers 
Thr-'n your life no-'.Vs, J'anSj is a happy one? 

Jane 
Yes J oheh^piest I have kno-wnj since ear Jfer childlioodg since my 
Uncle dieda Adele^ my chargSj, has made reasonable p regress, I 
have oceans of time to indulge in my own weird fancies and. fadSj, 
and although the restlessness of my nature makes m.e cvr iouSf. soicifc-.'^ 
timeSj, to behold the wonders of i;he world of whshh I am xgnorant ^ 
still, %^ I then seek refvge in ro.y books. Lord Rochester's 
library is well stockedj and 1 am ccn/cent again,? 

Rivers 
And Lord Rochester, 

Jane 
He cones and goes „ 1 was five months here bef ere I ever saw him.„ 
and then our meeting was a most pecTJliar one,-; 

Rivers 
How was that? 

Jane 
We met in Hay Lane. He claims that the sight of my figure clad 
in gray aid seated on the stile, frightened his horse and gave 
him a bad fall. Since then he calls me hi- "Little Elf" - in- 
sists I an a witch, etc. 



Ri vers 

He is a peculiar mai as I told yoiio 

Jane 
Very dDruptj yet kinci. " sardcnic yet axhibi tring at -cimess, a 
general courtesy vhich wins one to adJii rat ion= He sends for me 
nearly every evening ■when he is homeo 

Ri^«=jrs 
Have you heard he i s 3.1 teely t o b e ro.arr led soon? 

Jane 
(Pauses) VeSo Male p rattles in hsr way and tells me if I 
will listea, 7iiat gossip fiie hears frca her French attendent 
Sophie, vho in turn devours a3.1 the gossip of the Servani-'s hallo 

Rj.vers 
You might be surprised to learn that i.he lady he will, marry is 
your ccusin Georgiana^. She and her mo-cher Mrs„ Reed are among 
the guests who o cm e here t o='day. I tell you this to put you on 
your guard e 

Jane 
I shall not; have to meet theiiu. (Musing) Georgiaiai He marry 
Geo.rgisiaV 

3Ssx Mele 
(En'cers L/; Ah, Made noise He. dis lent aire - read' Read:- 
"Mr* Gadeanj pour Madamoi selle Jeannette«" Ee% is xjd. your room.- 
Alleza AllezI Ah^ Monsieur Ri vi ere I 

Jane 
A present forme., (Takes no xe ,. reads) "And farthermore , 1 warn; 
M ss EyrSs Her Elf ship to b e p resentable*- I have sent her r.he 
new dress by bearer'o Sig.-xed Rochester^ ^ Be presentable! 1 
shall not be p resent ^ and hi s gift shall be wasted* 

Adele 
Ah, Madamoi selle.;, Monsieur Edward de Fairfax Rochester will be 
"angubre" eef you do not cbar^e your toilette^ 

Jane 
You born Par. isienne you think too much of v,Qilette, Go into zhe 
conservatory and take some of the roses and c oaplete yoiir own, 
and take the doctor with youo 

Mele 
ui, ouio Come dcctaire* {Riinning off RoU^.E^) 

Rivers 
Cne moment, Jane^ you spoke this evenins of chis myooerious voni?.n 
Grace Pooleo 

Jane 
Yes 5 1 canno'c make her ou c« She seems to possess scene scs't of 
power arcund the J'lOUFSholda There is a strange laugh that comes 
from her room at times. She coiies and g (Bs as she 3,ikeB, snubs 
Che other servants, and- 

Rivers 
Pay no attention to her Jane, She is samply a "favored" ser™ 
vants I cannot say more^ as- 

Adele 
( Galls off) Doci-airBe 

Jane 
Go to her « (Exit Rivers) (Solus) 'So the Keeds are cOEiing into 
my life again ,, I thought I had lost i;hem forever, 

Ro Chester 
(Enters L) \10iat the devili Nobody to be faixid., (Sees Jane) Ah, 
good evening Mi ^ SyrBo 

Jans 
Good evening, my Lord « 



Rochester 
Are you about to ni:a av/ay f r on me again? 

Jane 
I t aia.n'':i occur tome that 1 was running av/ay., my Lo ra« 

Rochester 
Very we 31 then, renHino I wanted to say n ccaexYing to you« I 
tove almost forgotten you of 3.ate. (Suaaenly) %y haven't you 
put On your new dress? 

Jane 
Because I cannot forget my posioion= I am. sarsibl. e of your 
Idndness 5 but without imposing on i c j, I caild find means to make 

myse If p resentableo 

Rochester 

Ah, 'Chen you read my no te to Ade le? 

Jane 
Yes, iii.y Lordo at her request o 

Roc iBSter 
You aie annoyed because I an not pleased with your plain attire? 

Jane 

NOp no"G at alJ.a 

Rochester 
(Muff 3.y) Don't contradi ct me<. You are - you know you are„ la 
r.his old g3.0Qny place the eye finds relief by looking on bright 
li. -vely colors, but yoUj you are too proud and independent to 
accepz p re se nts , 

Jane 
l£y ho rd, 1 r^ " 

Ro Chester 
Oh,, 1 understand your character » Little c Givers at ion as 1 have 
had Ydth you^ with all your meetoiess and simplicity, you have 
your own ideas of things o You dislike my mainer . you think me 
too dictatorialj too abri^pt:, X suppose I a^io (Jane smiles) 
Ihat is the meaning of that smile? 

Jane 
I -was thinkings my Lo rd, that very few masters would care 
wiether or not they pleased their paid subordinates-^ 

Ro chaster 
Paid subordln^es? Ch yeSn, I had forgotten che salary, HumphI 
Well, on thsSi mercenary graand,, will you consent in the future 
to dispense with a great many conventional forms and phrases 
TK.dthout thinking me insolent? 

Jane 
I am sure s sir^ I could never mistake infoimality for insolence- 
the one I rather like, the other -= nothing free-bom would sub=^ 
mi t tOy even for a salaryc 

Rochester 
HvaibVLgi Most things free born wiJLl c en sent to any ching for a 
salary. If you are different from o uhers ., it is no fault of yours 
Nature cast you in a diffe-rent mou3. d, but to .retiirn - you are, 
Adele's governess « What relation do you think exists between 
her a nd m e? 

Jane 
I think whateg-er the relation is, it doesn't concern me ^ 

Ro Chester 
It does concern you. You have a right t o know v/hose child you 
are educating. You think Adele i s my clild= She is not„ She is 



an unfortuna-ce orpi^an, but I find it my amy t o p rovide lor her 

care aid e ducat ion - 

Jane 
Your i<:inia.iif3Ss t o one who is not. yo7.ir child jjh.ouldbo ex'co]J.ea« 

Rochester 
Bah.'- No matter about that now„ Aae3e "9?as not. born ou- of wed- 
lock^ No matter vhat the v/orld think s, her mo-^her was a French 
C pera dancer, towards vhom 1 once cherished a "grande Passion„" 
Her husband and she had separated years before^ Celine Vareus 
-jras a fickle little butterf Jly an.d ran away f r cm me when she 
termed "Anglais horrible" as she had from m,ost others in her 
variegated career, but the last "Ami precieuy" avenged a3.1 the 
others « He ran away from CeJine leaving her destitute, to die 
in poverty anddespairo She bequeathed Ade le to m,e three years 
ago, Adele was helpless and alone? tha.t's alio Why^ you are ery« 
i ng« yes you are^ don't deny i &« 

O'an.e 
I don't deny i to Poor orphaied Adele'j, I toOj my Lord, am fath- 
erless;, motherless and alon e-j I have learned to love her al=- 
ready, and your cQifiofence to me regard in g hsr ccndition makes 
a new bond b etwee n uso 

Rochester 
You are a nobla girl. Miss -Eyre., an.d 1 want you t o p romi se me to 
remain here until 1 send you awayo 

Jane 

Mo St wil]j.ng3y<. 

Rochester 
And now as a further proof of your love for Adele^, and as a 
favor, a particular and este-imed favor tome,, oblige me by putt- 
ing on the new dress* (Cracking of whips heard and hoofs and noise 
Of carri^e) Quick, my gijests are coaingc Si.and not to ques- 
tion, "buc settle your fine joints Against Thursday next„ 6tc« to. 
go to your rcom and do as 1 say or I will cirag you on a hurdle 
Chi there" 

Jane 
I mil look like an ape in a harlequin's j<atete 

Roche St sr 
You Yvlll look like nothing of the kind. My taste is excellent 
in ladies' gown So You will gratify Ade3e and please me, {Putt» 
ing J ane o fi" R) 

Jane 
You say that like Jupiter omai potent, (Exits R^ 

Ro ch6Bte r 
(Solus ) I find in this little e]..f, this stranger 5 the good and 
bright qualities I have saight for ten years, and never before 
en coin teredo Her society revives, regenerates one^ (¥oice 
utside L) (Georgiaia, MrSo Reea, Thecdores all laughing and 
talking) But I aaa forgetting my du!:ies as ho st o (Ml enter) 
Ladies, you are outspeeding my expectations^ You are heartily 
welccsne, in eliding my brave Captain of -whom 1 mus^:^ confess a 
fair amount of jealousy. But a cloud hovers over ^he brow of the 
fair Amazon^ (Takes Georgiana's hand) I hop e t doesn't threaten 
me', 

GeO'rgiana 
Never thee, chou re-incarnst ion of all that was fierce in the 
middle ages. You should have lived uhen.. 



Theodore 
Do you msan his LorcLsMp is out; of date? 

Ge org iana 
I mean, I ?m sick of th9 young men of" r^heprasenic aayo 

Theodo re 
Thariksi A^/fully^ 

Ge rg iairiia 
Give ms a man. with blood in his vein.s^ Tmour the Tartar for 
exanpleo 

He -was a lama ugjy brute j, so I've always understood. 

Ge org iana 
^fhat of that? Be-^ty is 'uhe special prerogative of v/oman« 

Ro Chester 
Cf whi.chM.iss Gaorgia.Da far exceeds her fair portion^ (Georgiana 
smil es ) 

Theodore 
An d ch en T imo^ir h ad f ort y« si x wi ve z -.• 

Roc he St or 

Don't let, LIS go i.ato th6 ge-j'Sfcl eman 's dCtD,estic infelicities,, 

Theodore 
Yes J his -wlriDle life was spent in --.Taro Forty-^six mves.^ No 
peace at home or Hbroado 

Theodore 
(Enter Doou or Rivars and Aaale) Ah^ we cone,, Doa.cri ThivS is 
an un ex; pec; ted pleasur'So (t- o others) You all know che dcc'tor? 

Theodore 
Ah yes, we all kno"?.'- the doctor,, We ^re all hispmierts. Miss 
Georgi aia h ere ^ he treats for her heart = 

Cmti es 
Her heart? 

Ge org iana 
My heart? 

Rochester 
Wh at is th e m at t er w. x,h h er he art '? 

Theodore 
It i s petr ifyingo 

Ge org iana 
Monster.! (Sighs and looks at Rochester) 

TheodoT'e 
^Looking at Mrs =, Reed Vvho is glaring at him) Mrs, Reed here^ he 
treats for » 

Mrs« Reed 
Well. T,'*iat does he treat me for? Go on^ out wic h i -c 

Theodore 
i Calmly surveying her thraigh monocD.e) Yourli-uer, 

Mrs „ Reed 
( Angri].y) Monkey.-! 

Theodore 
No, your li ver o 

Georgiaria 
Gapcain.^ then among us all yoiirs i. s x-he only hopeless case* 

Theodore 
Howdoyoum&e that out? 

Geo rg i ana 
The doctor is treating you for your brain* (CnDxi.es laugh) 



Th 80 do IB 
I'll premise tobegcodj but your loraship has fcrgouen- (Look= 

ing at Adele) 

Ro cti.es%eT 
Truei This young lady is ray wardj Maasimci ib He Mele, (A dele 
courtesies t'o all) (Turns suddex-ily) 

Aifiel s 
I ret^arn a thDusand lihigi^iks for your genercsitiyo Does my gown not 
become me? (To Rochester) , Monsieir, jevcus renBrcil Mille 
fois de votro bouiBo Eel; ce que ras robe va tien? 

Ro chftJ5ter 
Cu.io Cuio Ma Petite i 

Mrsr. Reed 
{Aside) His child by one of his Fre nch mi stresses no doiibL- 

Ge tg iana 
I don't know but I'.U f md outn (Rochester playfully kisses 

Adele, an dp asses her over to Theodore ^'bo appears anxious to 
mee-o her) (Georg imna di'awshim away fron:i them) (Risers cones at 
back behindj joins MrSe Reed wh) is seated in arni chfer LJ 

Geo rg lanna 
(To Roch^ter) Where did you pi ck h er up'? 

Rochester 
I didn't pick her upo She was left on my haadSo 

Ge o::rg iana 
You should have sent her to schoolo 

Rochester 
I can't af f orS it,, Soho o]. s are so dear, besides, I am having 
Iter educated ha"e«. 

Gs org iana 
C'h then she has a governess! • ■ 

Rochester 
£ deed she has «, AgovernetiS, and as the li rule French doll is 
quite a young lady noWj, a comp anions 

Geo^g ifina 
I never caj.ld abide governesses^ Half of 'diem are detestable, 
the other half ridiculous^ 

Rochester 
This One i s neithSTo 

mGoorgiana 
Ch, a paragons She must be a j e-^/eJ-o 

Rochester 
Yes "of purest say serenes o 

' Georgiana 
I Shoul d lik e t exanin e h erg 

Rocl"ftster 
You shall have that p leasure^ she will be here presencjy* 

Georgiana 
Real ly'' ( Sn eer ing Oy) 

Rochester 
Really and trolly, but. let me warn you in advance;, When, you 'ix- 
amine, don't fo%et 'that Si e herself carries a poiiBrfii}, m,ag'-- 
nifyLng oc g-Tass^ She h has used it on me» She may on you^ ( 
(They ccncinue conversation in dumb show) 

Theodore 
(To A dele) And 'then you do speak English? 

AdelG 
Ch Cuii Cui o I spik ze Ang3ais,, nor. so good as v-frif I was here 

bom, what you call ±z , "naT^eef?" ml speak ze' ^gl-ais only as 



what you say, big bi. ba..er ^^^J^^^^l^- ^^^^""^ ^^ Francais, 

That was a facer, V/e IL then, we oxxghc u o ge'u on iivelL ii<gex;her. 
You teach mebeoter French ana I Ml try t o polish Off your Englisl- 

Aae 3,e 
C h non, non, Madonoiselle eit ma gCJsrer ra nte » she ceachme, 
(They talk animatedly in (3umb show) 

Mrs,, Ree.a 
Yes Doctor, I'm sadly worried over my poor dear boy« 1 commissj^ 
i oned that truly good man Mr„ BrosldehurBt -co go uO London 
and reason wich him, but I fear it will be of li itle use, I 
ttioughc he wovddhave returned b erO^ re chl Sa I left word at 
Gateshead Hall ohat he should follow us here, (James, ohe 
servant enters Lr,) 

James 
If i c please your Lordship, there is a genuleman below who 
wishes to see Mrso Reed at onceo 

Mrs 9 Reed 
£ oust be he. (To James) A clerical ge rt .teman? 

Sames 
Yes Madamo 

Mrs-, Reed 
It IS >.he Rev« Mr. Brco klehurst, your Liordship« He brings me 
news from London^ from my sono 

Rochester- 
Show the gent Jeman in« (James exits L){A11 look expectan cly) 
( Pause) (Brocklehurst enters solemnly) 

Br ocklehurst 
You r Lo rds hi p .' Ladi es J G e nt 1 ane n J ( B o ws a H- b axa d) 

Thecdore 
Hello Brosky, old chapo 

Br CG kl ehu rst 
(Gives him withering look) (To Mrso Reed) Mrso ReedJ 

Mrsc Reed 
My clear friendj you have news of my poo r dar.ling John? 

Br GO kl diurst 
I have. Providence made me the humble instrunsnt to try and 
bring him b ac5c t o you end the right path; your pet laoib who has 
wandereot far f r on the folds 

Mrs, Reed 
Did you succeed? 

Br ockj.churst 
1' did no'Ca I reascned with him - he replied with worldLy j est« 
I tola him that after youj I was hi s b est friendo He said he 'a 
make me prove ita 

Geoi^i;ana 
And did he m^e qdb you p rcve i t? 

BrockJ.elTui-^t 
Yes.. He borrowed five pounds* Then f in. dmg p rayers were wasted., 
1 threatened him',, 

Georgi arj.a 
You thre at e ned? Wh a h app e ne d t h en? 

BrocMehurst 
My clerical and personal dignity rece jb/ed a v iolent shocko 

Cmnes 
How? 



Br cc kl elxi rsi 
.He ki oked me dowx scairs. (Groans) Mrs, Reed, 1 have suffered 
lauch iraaixixxx bu c humility is xhs first of virtues and 1 am 
liumbl e» ( Gr oan s) 

Mrs « Reed 
I c&uno c understand i c, John has always had such an angelic 
dxsposicionj but 1 have fell aU day ^hat 1 sh^ul d have a dis- 
agreeable shocks (Jane enters f r cm Ro cones dc/fa C) 

Ro Chester 
{S'seing her) Ah, Miss Jane Eyre, Ade le ' s governess arid com- 
panion, lay friends a 

Ge orgi ana 
Ah; 

Mrs . Reed & Broc klehu rst 
Jane Eyrei 

Mrs. Reed 
Jane Eyre 'J I knew it.' 

Rodiester 
Miss Eyre has been at Thornfield a year now« 

Mrs* Reed 
( Trying \, o control herself) Indeed, and -"vhat does Miss - Miss - 
-each h sr pupil? 

Rochester 
Ah e modern languages; music, ever y\,hing necessary to complete a 
Jaberal educat lono Thi s young lady pain cs u co^ aol becter than 

^any drav/irxg masters „ 

Ge org 1 ana 
is ix poss-ible? "Praise fron Sir Hubert is praise iniased." 

Mrs. Reed 
Miss - Mi bs - oh dear, 1 never coild remeab 3" names* Where dad yo 
yo u ac q ui re you r m any sec Onpli shne nt s? 

Jare 
At Lowod school, madam* 

Mrs . Reed 
I was no ^ aware :.hat the ornamenL.al branches iwere taught in an 
orphan asylum^ 

Jane 
I assure you - I£rs - Mrs - oh dear, 1 nev^ coild rsnem ber 
names. Your Lomship - ^Inquiringly t o Rochester) 

Rochester 
Mrs. Reed, Jane« 

Jane 
^haA you, I assiu~e you Mrs, Reed, 1 learned ihat lifcle I know 
ai.. LowQ®d School, and I diall be forever grateful to chose who 
placed the chance wichin my reach, They bestowed a blessing 
w i c hou t i n i'.e nci. in g i t o 

Mrso Reed 
( In rage) The little vanpirsa 

Rochester 
where i s your po rr. folio, Jane, 1 would like to sho -^ v he ladies 
•.:;om6 of your work? 

Bane 
'■■:■ is in your study ~ my Lord,, 

Rochester 
Go and fetch it o 



IZrs . ReecL 
Paraon your Lordship, buc the journey has so fais ig\;ea, if you 
don'i- mind Georgiari& and 1 mil re 'u ire t.o our room Go 

Rochester 
■That. aren'"i. you going r,o h a/e san.e supper? The cloth is laid 
in Che dining rcomo 

Mrs o Reed 
IIo, che news of my poor boy has sounnerved mej 1 ccul(3n't eat . 

Rochester 
Your maids will attend you<, Mrs, Fai rf ac t hs housekeeper will 
show you your rooms o Goodnight, 1 (.rust you will rest v/ell in 
^;his old house and you will be awakened by no gltJstn 

Mr So Reed 
Good night « Your Lordship and gentlemen-' Mr. Br ccklehursty I 
shall see you in the mo r ring. Come Georgianao (Exits L, ) 

Ro chesuer 
(To Georgiana) Beauciful Juno, good nighi. Pleasant be thy 
dre&ms» (Georgiana laughs, holds ou c her hand» Rocl^ster kisses 
it ) (She kisses her finger cips 'co Theodore and exits L„ ) 

Jane 
Ecur Lordship may I retire? 

Roc hester 
Yes-, Take Male wit h you, but, stay, cell me before you go what 
think you of the fair Georgiana? 

Jane 
yihou do 1 chixik? 

Ro Chester 
Does she please youK 

Jane 
'^Th ac wculd you have me say? 

Rochester 
She's a m^ni ficem, looking creature, is she no c? I wanx. ..o get 
her opinion of your drawings to^morrowo Good nighG« 

Jane 
Geo d nighCj my Lord., good night Doctor, g ood" m ght, sir <, 
(Theodore bo^*s) Come Adele^ (Exits R^U E„) 

Adele 
Bon buit. Monsieuri (To Rochester) (To che o'chers) Messieursi 
(Exits R,U,E.) 

Rochester 
■^^ell doctor, any ne,v aeve lopmencs? 

Rivers 
None« 

Ro Chester 
Condition uncharged? 

Rivei's 
AbsoLiicely, I will be over next Ts.'sek, (Aside) Say award to 
Grace Pooleo She's taking too much gin andv/ater lately^ Noth-^ 
ing can match r,he vicious and murderous cunning of a disordered 
mi.ado Have a care* (Aloud) I will bid your Lordship ^ good 
rj. ght. Goodnight Gap caino (Eo Br cc kl ehi rst ) Mr,. Brocklehurst^ 
I'll give you a li it in my gig over to town, if you are going sks 
thar'e tO-. night. 

Br oc kl ehu rst 
Tharik youj Doctor, 1 have sonething to say u o hi s Lordship f irst,, 
^:I&ix. for me below, (Rivers bo-ws and exits) Your Lo rushipj I 
visited you tctnighc as inell as Mrs <. Reed? 



Rochester 
Arxd CO TAhat am i indebted for the honor of chi s visit, my v;orthy 

I ri end? 

Br G kl eha rst 

Mr. y-o-arhono red Lo rdship, ou cs ids o f my sad mi ss ion '^ o Mrs, Reed, 

1 had a two fold obj ect in wishing to see you-, 

Rochester 
Tv/ofold-^' "^hau Bttinds ominous. Very suggestive of a double 

s.tib scrip G ion for your charity scmol.-. 

Br 00 kl el'iu rst 
Double! Ah., your Lordship, your ordinary subscription mil suf- 
fice '..lu s 'time r, 

Ro Chester 
'S- an glad of that = ^'ou mi ghf. be disappom ced if you expected to 

get. moreo 

Br oclslehurst 
The generosJ.ty of your Lordship is a proverb Y/ith the board of 
w&r. ag^y-'s of Low oad s bu c t o \.he ^<oxn.r, ^ X want to 'calk xxi you 
abou t a vji sr ., 

Rochester 

A wh^c? 

Br ockl^urst 

A V ip Q" I 

Roclisster 
Ch, a Siiaks^ WeU-j, that is not a particularly pleasant ccpic of 
conversat iouj eh Captain? 

Theodore 
SnakesJ I never liked the "aii-ffers" tigly s3jjny beastso ThQr 
always remind me of sane men o (Pointed y at B r cc kl eha rst ) 

Br 03 kle hx rst 
You are nouri shi.ng one in youi' bos cm now, your Lordship a 

Rochester 
The deuce 1 sm« 

Broc K). ehj. rst 
Yes 5 a female viper., 

Rochester 
The sex doesn'.- interest me in the s]lj.gl:4est» 

Brocklehursc 
I can see her there no w^ stinging your Lordship,. 

Ro Chester 
Can you? By the way.;, wkat are you dr mkJ-ng now? 

Br cc klehurst 
On3.y light times, 

Br ockleh.! rst 
Only lighG times.. 

Ro che£,ter 
I'm glad of thata If you were aa.dic^-ed to strcng liquor instead 
Of a ''lictle lady viper'"" in my bosoui,,, you might discover an im^ 
mense bo a=^con Sir ictor„ 

Br ockL ehi rst 
1 neva- j esv ,, your Lord ship,: 

Ro Chester 
ITo., you dan't" look like a humo ri st .-, 

Br oc M. eMrst 
This serpent, that I speak of possesses che ordinary form of 
womanhood., God has graciously given her che shape that he has 
given both your Lordship and me..-. 



i 



Rochesr^er 

She must be abeatn^yo 

Brocl-lehiirst 
Yio signal defect points her oizt as a marked character , but the 
Svil one in her has f oind a servant -^ She i s in yoxir ser-yice? 

Hocher/ter 
The evil one's servant, in my i^ervxceV i^m I t- he "evil one 
.referred to? 1 say;, d on't you clink you --' 

Br ccld-e hurst 
Chj this is sadc A mo st melanclx>ly occasiono It is my duty co 
warn you., The girl^ wonje than the heathen wlx) .kneels to Brjahja 
and says prayers under Juggern aa.Cj is a liar, 

Rochester 
'-'All men are lists'" says 'c he prophets VJhy not a few girls? 

Br oc KL ela rst 
X 1 ear red this frGo. the pious and charitable ladyv/ho adopted 
her in her orphan &tate ^ and reared her as he:' ovr. daughcer^ 

Th eodore 
I say "Brocliy" what an infernally feixned old hypocrite you ars.^, 

Brocklehurst 
Sirj, 1 am not address in. g my i^emarks 'co you = 

•^h eodcre ■ 
No J. but ^- 'm addressing ia,i£ .cs mine t o youo 

Ro Chester 
C;$>tains remeaber this ^vo rr, hy n an ' 3 cloth, 

Br ck3. ehu rst 
Yes 5 remeafo Q" my cloth, 

Ro Chester 
And lei us see ho-'.v he fini shes.r 

Theodore 
I would like to see his finish^ 

Br ockLcfiurst 
Ch; irreverent ribaldi (Groans) Your Lo rdshipi I shSL oom^ 
plete the information I am giving you, in private^ 

Ro Chester 
Yes J I think you'd bettero 

Br ocklelrurst 
I shall Chen mehr. ion the wcina.a's natrie,, 

Rochester 
Theriam.e of the "orphan" sne&.e,-! Never o 1 dai't want to hear 
i t, I refuse ab5CiLutely„ Cur interview i s at sx end^ for the 
presents (Thunder) There is a storm coming up « 

Br oc kL ehu rst 
J. shall visit your Lordship to-morrcy and receive the check.^ 

Th eodore 
Haven't you had "check" enough to -ni gT-rt? 

Br ocklebirst 
And then, perl-iaps you may .11 sten, 'ffs ma:/ n.o z be interrtjpted by 
rude ribaldry and ruf f ian3.y rem£u"k s, 

Th eo d ore 
Pooh,, pooh, for you-, Broc ley,., (Br ocklehurst with exclamacJ.ons of 
rage,, stalks off L„ exitSc) 

Th socio JB 
V/ell. of all the ~ whom does he mean? 

Rochester 
I shre-waiy su^eot 1 know, but you wculdha/e no interest in her 
identity'^ 



m 



-12-P, 

Theoa ore 
iThy it's enoughforme, chat he's calking abou c awonra. 1 'i 
^lad uh&t young blacl^uard Reed kicked him in London. He ought 
*io be kicked all over ihe Uni oed Kingdon. I'd like asling at 
the old "rorter" myselfo 

Ro Chester 
Thaik God he is an exception to his cloth. Well Gray, do you 
feel^like vhat? I do„ (Rings b el3J We ha^e anearjy rise if 
we're going after the birds « (To James who enters L) Show 
Cap cain Grey hi s rooms. Good night old fellow. (Thunder and 

li ghtning) 

Theodore 
Goodnight. (Yawns, follows Janes off L„) 

Rochester 
(Solus) Dr„ RiA;ers' vjords alarmmea little, Grace Poole must 
take better care of her cherge, I shall speak to her in the morn- 
ing* Must Thornf ield Hall always seoo an abhorred spot with me? 
It musi- while thai, fury is confined up ""St ai rs „ and yet the mystery 
on the occasion of my horse Mess cur's accident whm that - that 
quiet li ctle figure Jane gave me helpj when I first saw her and 
placing my hand on her frail shoulder limped to the horsej soaie- 
tMng new, a fresh sap and sense stole in ;o my frame^ 1 want to 
be hear her now^ Is she to be the arbitness of mj^ future for 
good or evil? Ah, nose sabe «- sabe ■" dios<. God knows« God 
knowSo (Bus) (i.7hile he i s speaking foregoing ^eechj, he puts out 
candle after candle m the candelabra. Exits R»2oEo leaving but 
One lighi-ed) (Noi se of s't-onn ccn cinues) (Patise) 

Jane 
{Enters cautiously) Thank Heave n no one saw me o I cannot sleep 
till I hare rescued my porcf cQ.io« It i s in hijs the study<= 1 will 
ask him fo r it if he is there - shall take it myself if he has 
retired- Her eyes shall not rest on my treasures- Her lips 
shall not curl mth disdain at che products of my lone).y hours 
at Lo-700d« (Crazy woman laughs outside) Whyj lA^iat is that? 
The dononiac laigh, 1 have heard before so maiy times* (Turns 
bloTAs out the candle, giving afldierr;e impress ion that the draft 
has ext iri'gui ^ed it) There, miy candle has gene ou i* 1 will 
re'» light it, (A bout to do so, crazy Avomia laugl« again) That 
v/oman's laugh again* It muss, be Grace Poole v/hD always inspires 
me with terror, I dare no c meet her^ the thought makes my blood 
run cold. (Laugh heard again nearer) She is caaing this way^ 
iBlows out remaining candle) I will hide myself here„ (Goes 
off Lo) (Stage almost darkp only lighted now and then by lighte- 
ning flashes) (Music hurry P) (Laugh heard again) (Crazy v/omi£ enters 
R^U,Ea ^.^Ith candle, melodramatic business, then exits R^U^E,) 
{ Thtinder and lighi-ning k ept up louder) (Music forte) (Pause) 
(Crazy woman re-enters, laughs, business, exits) (Pause) 

Jane 
(Enters) \Vhat mystery is this? 1 coildill distinguish rhe 
f igure, it seemed not like hers, but that was Grace Poole 's 
laug h, Nov/ t get the po rtf olio and ret urn t o my r com^ It 's 
all still now. 1 can find my way in the darko IVhy, v;hat is 
-Ms - smDke, and screams^ I can see the red glare of fire 
thrcughLord Ro chest or 's dcx) r<, My Lord, awake i Awake,' Lord 
Rochester. Lo.rd Rochester^ (Ex its R.2,E) (.JVIusic) 

Rochester 
( Red fire lighted) ( After paise, outside) What the devil are you 



-13=P . 

cryW to ad? YOU m tch - you sorceress! Burn me to aeath and 
dra/amel Stop aosing me wioh that water. Damn ii- , stQ)o 
inters ^parencly drer^hed, effect can be produced by varnishzng 

an old coat) 

Jane 

(Follo^dng him) The fire is out, 

Rochester 

Is it? tiet a match from that stand there. 

Jane 

Yes » 

Rochester 

And lei 's have a lifcle light on this affair, 

Jane 
{Lights candle in car^elabra) There has been a P lot u o burn 
you°in your bea. I enp tied the water pi ^.clsr on you, 

Rochester 
I can feel you did« Ugh, (Shivers) How your Elf ship, elucidate 
I thro';^ my self on my ccuch without undressing and was dozing 
over a French novel, I suppose the wind blew the cirtain 
ag ai ns t t he c an die o 

Jane . ^ 

'To, Che candle stood at the head of the bed, che obtains at 
the fcDt were in flameso Some criminal tried to destroy youo 

Rochsster 
Non se nse I 

Jane 
I s aw h s- i 

Rochester 
You " saw - her? 

Jan& 
Ctily imperfect]^ » the light was bad. 

Rochester 
{¥i th a sigh of re IL ef ) Ah Jane , my guests must not know a 
v/ord of this. I must go t the upper sv cry, 

Jane 
You will no '^r trust this Grace Poole any more? 

Rochester 
Grace Poo lei 

Jane 
Yes 3 she who tried t o murder you, I cculd not see her face, bui: 
K heard her laugh, 

Rochester 
Her latghi Well, I shall attend to her case to-morrav. Good - 
ni ^ t J ai eo 

Jane 
Bocd night my Lords 

Ro Chester 
Aren't you g cing to give me your hand after having saved my life? 
(Jane does so) Stay, coknow that you are safe, Jane, I jim going 
;o see you t o your room arid hear you lock the door. (About to 
put his arra arourci. her) Come, we'll gotcgeuher, my child, you're 
liOt afraid of me, are you? 

Jane 
Not at all, but 1 cannot forget that you are Lora Rochester, the 
master -1 am Mi ss Eyre, the governess. Our stations are far 
apart 9 The laws of society demand that I respect you. The laws oi 

conscience demand 1 respect myself. My Lord, I'll go alone. Good- 
nigh;., (Music as she goes up stage) 

Q U R T A 1 N. 



anjjas^ o 



ACT 111. 

^''^''IsIrD.e as Act lU Reception Kail s& Thomfield, a year later< 
At risa:^ Jedoss enters ., u shsr .in g on Brao Kiehurst » 

T ^.^iix tell Mrs. Reed you are hare, sxro (Exit Lo) 

Br oclflehu.rst 
I waidsr i -^ t.hsy will ask me t o stay to a inner? I am very 
Hungry and "che dinners are good ax. Tho rnf ield« I m sli I coul^ 
discover theicfentity of the mysterious person \tio is c oif ined 
upstairs^- {Thecfiare and Adele ccugh outs ide R) There ^s thac in- 
sufferable Captain and the French g irlc They seem t o be enjoying 
themselveso I hate to see p eqol© enjoy theose^es. They're going 
to dae rosrri^o They are two f rivi)lous childreri of diedevil:, 
and th^ wiZil. b e we 31 mstchsd* 

Mrs,, Reed 
(Enters L= ) MTo Br ocklehursti ^/hafc news of John.s my boy, ar^ is 
it good nsjfs'? 

Br ooKIerarr^t 
That dspm'cfe. upon the point of view., my dear Madajn, 

MrSo Heed 
W. d y ou see him? 

Brocld.ehurst 
N05 they -woaldn't Isi. me this time- 

MriS .-, Reed 
Theyi Where i s he? 

Bro ck2,Qiu rst 
In j all'c: Arrestee on the suit of "Patrick Opp ^-uTheimer '' for 
twelve him dred p ounds o 

Mrs „ Reed 
Ah,. (Sinldng on SOfe R) My cip of bi ct ernes s is fulli What is 
to b e dene? ^ab 's to be done? 

Brocklehurst 
You must hasten tha oiarr iage of his Loidship v/ith GeorgjBna<> 
VThy i s i t de layo d s long? 

Mrs. Reed 
Saro,e ulterior infiience which I am unable t o fathom.5 

Br ocklshujst 
X cano 

Mrs,-, Heed 
You.? 

Bi'O cif.lshurst 
Jane Eyre 'i That girlmu^ be £-01; ri d of o 

Mrs a Reed 
Bu c hOY/? 

Broc klehurst 
Yorta must teHl her about her' Uncle in the West In dies =, 

Mrs., Rssd 
^Vhat «* ccnfess t her -what I have done? 

Br oc kl ehi rst 
There i s no alternativee By the way 5, could you get me an in- 
vitation to dJnnsr' here? I ai very hung rye 

Mrs = Reed 
I suppose I cane Come let us seek Georgianao Ch f or some way out 
•of this tar^lsc (Exit L.. f oIlOYyed by Br cc kleha rst ) f Pause) {Enter 

'^^ R,u;£„ followed by Rivers) 



Rivers 
So Jane, this is the only easwer you can give me- 

Jane 
What other ai swer can I gi-\«o X ?Jial.X nevQ:* marry^ 

Why no t? You h sr e a won aa ' S h eart „ 

Jane 
Yeso I have a -woman's heart, but- not -wiiers you ars concerneds 
for you 1 heye only a cOnrade-'s cais-cancej a f9l2-ow soldier's 
frankness s, fiaelicy^ fraternity ^ if you -willo You have been 
alwaj^ my friena^ my dear good friend. I can ne/'/er' repay you 
sufficiently in gratitu.de the bi debt I owe yoUj. but 1 cai.ld a3.ot 
give you my hand and wrong you by pretense of lavSg the counter* 
fait of ^ntiments 1 despise. 

Rivers 
( S-cruggling with himself) Tel.l me, Jarxe, is there someone else/. 

J ane 
What do you mean? 

Hi -vers 
Someoie else v^o has kindled tho eparko of affection in. your 
breast? 

J ai.'i8 
Yoii have no rig?it to ask me tliat..- 

Rivers 
I haT-e " I i5*er you honorable ma.rr iage.-n 

J a.n.e 
I h £S/ e told you aDj'eady 1 shall .never marry,, (Pause) Ar-e you 
answer ed ? Are y o u s at 1^ f is d ? 

Rivers 
I am answered™ X an no t s at i af i ed« (Rochester entering R-C:. 
stops and li stens) (Rivers in srpp resaed passion) Listen Jane, X 
'have loved you thes© two years <,. My Love i s no t a se .If ish one„ X 
liave nevQ" breathed a word of it. till no Wc. but you ku.ikt, have 
guessed my feelings* You have refused me-o Well and good. I ac^ 
cept the cQigSjibut 51 shall still watch ov^^::- you.,., J. feel you are 
in danger 3 and 1 CTBar to you,, 1 will nor. see you drift on the 
shOi-Bs of a»struction.r. I mil a.ave you in fipiT,e of yourself,-, 

Jane 
You speak in ridaleSo 

\5Mchyour wanan*s heext can solve o 

RoG]r.tester 
Pard :n me^ I dQj't want to be a.i:i aaves<==dr (5)psr •-=> I have heard., 
bui: littles, but it appears "chs.t yo^i two friends are in some 
trouble,, Can I offer my services as mtidlator,, 

.Bl-:;e.r?3 

I fear no tg Lo m Rochester „ You coald scarce .7y bean, impa^-.ial 
on Co 

Theodore 
(Enners hurriedJ^^) Oh Doc-cor„ you are here - cftne qiii. -okly^ Your 
professional ^rvices are needed urge ntJy.. .My fiance' Aciele 
has met mth an accident' 

0.n:tn es 
Acci &nto 

'''h eodore 
No t serious though.. She was* sir; wing me a dance her ra.^ii.-.a used to 



do and shs fell ana sprained her "accenv." ■-. I mean her anjae. 
Come quiclclyi (Drag(5 Ri^«rs off R) (MrSoHoed. Brocklehurst, 
axid Georgia?- a enter L„) 

Krr.o ?:e8d 
Ah here i s Mi sr- Ejre now. Your Lo rcUr; h;.p (, 7. havo soixething of 
importance to Say to this young p ers ct^.. '^'ho cUubr.DoSB has al- 
ready informed yoij. if» a conn er.t, jon o f 153,7 f&:>^±XY<, 

Roc hest-eir 
No J, she never has -^ you amaze .mo - she i is t.-, 

Mrr?. o Roed 
My niece i 

Rochester 
A ni 836 of yourso Bless me^ I never should h^-o suspected it, 
T7ells "wellc, -wfjllj, X am called away^ bu r, -^iH jjssyou al3. at dinjiie 
Pardon me, (Exits Lo) 

Brocld.Ojriu,rst. 
Dinner i (Smiles in anticipat. io n) Now Miss Geoi'giana, we had 
b ett 9- leave yourmanma alone;, and! wn.ll ce D. you about poor 
Johni Just think in jailo 

Gs orgi.s.7a 
I hop e they'll keep him there thi. s tJane for the rest of his un« 
natural life'^ {Exits f 0U.0 vBd by B r 00 kl eha rr.t ) 

Jane 
^ell Aunt Ree^a Why this interview? Why not have let (.hings go 
as t hsy were? 

Mrs c. Reed 
Ch s doi 't mi sunder St and m Co I ^m no e here to hold out the olive 
branch of peace to youo We neither of us hs/e z±s.e t b e hypo™ 
criticalg we neitha" ha/e need to practice (3sceptiono 

Jane 
No. 

MrSo Reed 
\^e hare - do stilly and a.lways shall hate one another to the end 

Jane 
You hate me and will always h^e me.^ but you are v/rong in sup-' 
posing 2^ squally ijnplacableo I have chaigedo 

Mrs a Reed 
No, you are unchanged* You are still the same silent, determinec. 
creature you werso You can stand cainly and gaze at me «. you 
liave m^e a just and upright woman a cr iminalo 

Jane 
I made you a criminal? 

MrSo Read 
Yes 5 it is you, and you alonSo ^e you not rejoiced to hear that 
the rich Mrs. Reed i spoor- a3nost penniless? 

Jane 
No J so far froa rejoicing at yotir mis'f ortune-s - I pity you^ 

MrSo Reeti 
I couLd not see my dear boy want ^ and ic is expenf;iye living in 
Londcrin I ^ ent on him them oney whioh your Urxcls left in my 
charge tobts expended on youo 

Jane 
He left money then! 

Mrs e Rsed 
Yes, not acco iding to forms of lawj but directed on his death bee 
that I should use it for you o A sacred trusty 



Jane 

Well 5 i s that. alL? 

Mrso ReecL 
Bo, there ismore"* Do you know t, hat you are rloht 

Jane 

Rmch? 

MrSo Roea 

You have a wealthy Uncle in the West IndiSB t*iO T«nts to make you 

liis heiress. He i s your father's b rot ha*. He has sent letter 

after letter beting you to cone t o himo 

Jane -^ 

And you heDd these letters b ac k? 

Mrs o Reed 
Yes, I cculd not endure che thought of seeing you in affluence 
while my fort Line was fast disapp ear 3ng= I wrote to your Uncle 
that you were dead^ had died of the fever wh3.1e at Lowood SchDoio 
Now Ge orgi aia i s about to marr y Lon3. Rochester o I shall li -^ 
here ^ so you had better take steps to seek out your Uncle in 
the Indies as you realize^ it will be impossible for you and 1 
to b iBathe under the saoxe r(X)fo 

James 
(Enters Lo) Please,, MissEyrSj, the^e^s an old gypsy -womm who 
insig:s on seeing yoiio She wants to tell your forfune. She's 
just telling Miss Reed's and she spoke of youo 

Telling Ge oigi ana 's fortune? 
■(Exit hurriedly L,) 

Tell her , Janes, I hare no 

She swears she wcn't leave 

What is ^e like? 

James 
Shea's a shocking ugly old creature, Mi ss« 

Jane 
Wellj "Cell her I can't see her'e 

James 
Very welL, Mi33«, (Ejd. t LJ 

Jane 
And so dear Thornfield 1 must prepare to leave you« I must enter 
on a rosa of which I know nothing* No affect ion must be alio -wed 

•when that unhappy flay cones, not a glance is to be cast back, not 
even one forward. Not a thought must be given to the past or the 
future, the first a page so heave h).y sweet g yet so deadly sad, the 
iast an awftil blank, lllEe the world when the deiige has gene by* 
(ex it R) 

Rochester 
(Enters s di^iised as Gypsy hag=> James allows sniclering) Not 
herej Go find her, (Goes to arm chair L,, seats him. ?e If ) ' Jacries 
exi ts R) (Pause) (Jane re-enters with James who p oin cs at Rochester) 
(James exits L) So you not want your fcfctTone told? 

Jane 
I d)n't care about it, mocher^ You can please yourself, but I 
warn you 1 have no faith. 



Mrs* Reed 




? I'll have her put in 


the stocks 


Jane 




faith. 




James 




TvithDut seeing you. o 




Jan.e 





Rochester 

I know thav. I heara it in your steps as you cro Gsed the thresh- 

hoi do 

J ane 

Di d yous' You've a quioli ear 

Ro chaster 

I hst/e, and a quick eye an,-! a quickbrain« 

J arie 

You nead tham a3J. in your trsdeo 

Ro Chester 
Yss„ ^.*ien I've cusfc cmers like you to deal with„ V/hy don'v you 

ii~emble? 

Jane 

I'm not coldo 

Rochester 

Why don''t you turn pale? 

Jane 

1 ''m no t sick-, 

Rochester 

7ihy don't you consult my art? 

Jane 

I 'm no t 51 lly a ' 

Rochester 
(Laughs^ produces pipe^ lights it, begins to smoke) You are cold; 
are you sick? You are silly « 

Jane 
Pr eye i ■&. 

Rochester 
I v/ill'. In a few words^ jov. are cold because you are alone o No 
cchtact strikes froa. you the fire that i s in yo\i - you are sick 
because th e b est of feeHngs., -fche highest, the swsetest given to 
man keeps far awBy f r an you« Yo!.t ^e silly - basause suffer as 
you rD.ay3 you mil no t b ec kon i t to ^p roach^ nor m]J. you stir on.s 
step to aa^ja moat it^ Tsh. ere it waits yoiT,, Let me see your paJju- 

Jane 
Mh thi s i s folly J but ..^ (holds oiit- her hai. d,, Rochester looks at 
1% --• &j.s) iHe does not taich it . only looks) 

Ro chaster 
I can make uotlung of sm ch a hand as this, a]..n3.c sr. wi-chout a &ine 
Lestlny i s not written there's 

J an.e 
X b el i eve that» 

Rochester 
Bat ciBst iny is •written in the eye, the forehead., mouthy the ex" 
press ion of the face« Kneel and lift up your head-, 

Jane 
Fow we are caalng to reality.-, (Kneels) I shall begin to put 
seme fait h in you p rese nz Jyo 

Ro ohevStsr 
?£ -wcnSsr ^ns& thoughts are busy in your heart -^Ahen you are among 
all the f ine p eople here m this old house. No sympathy be-&weetx 
jou. =. they pass before you J.ike Eihado?/s » and you--' you are sad, 
then. *.? 

Jane 
No bored ofteng sleepily s onet Jiri. es , ne/ er sad" 

Roohgster 
Then you have some secret "Uo buoy yiJu up and please you with 
-*hi spers of the future,^ 



Jane 

None'.. 

Rochester 
One fi g-ars yoti folio w wl r.h cvrj.os.ir.y^ maybe two - Che beautiful 
Mi s.^ Gecrgiana.. perhaps yoiir ugly ir.:&so8ro 

•Jane 
1 came here to listen t o my own i"uGar'3 «• not. i-hs fate of others-. 

Rochester 
Haven't you pictured them h a:?pily merried'? 

J ane 
Noc Your lAltch'S skill is at fault saner. imes= Tell me my futu.re, 

Ro chesi.er 
Your future i s y et doubtfulo ^-t depends on yourself to reach 
out your hand and take i t up o (Loioks at her) The eye shines 
like dewj soft aid full of feeling., it aniles ta my jargon "> where 
it ceases >o aiiile it is sadj ohe eye i s favorablSy ^lie mouth 
Shou.3.d cpeakmLidi and smile ofcen - irhat t co i s p rqpi tious^ The 
brow - thebra-,v speaks only con-yciencec '-■■ ■>Aillno'c sell my soul 
to buy bliss,. We J2 said-. (in natural voice) Heave n knows 1 
orJ.y wish to foster ., nor. to blight - to earn gratitude j, no-: \q 
wring tears of bloc d» My harvest must be in soil es j, in endear mentSo 
Oh I rave in exquisite de li ilruii,. Ri s , Mi as -Syre ,, the game's 
played oii t., {Bus^ strips off di;rguis3) Off ye sendings « 
J ane can you f o rg i\e m e? 

Jane 
If 1 haven't been too absurd. I shall try to forgive^ you- but 
it -vvasn't right, 

Ro Chester 
B'ama,, -wly did you. never -cell m. e Mrs <, Reed was your Mn'c, 

Jane 
I dQ.1 "t regard her as nsy koxCc , she only married my mocher 's 
b r other',., 

Ro Chester 
Umc Ch, I see-j but Gsorgiaia is you.j' ca3S3.n^ 

Jane 
X never fhinkof that "=■ no one wcul d eve" know or suspect i.he 
facjfcj^ and I «?: 

Roc hester 
But blood is tl'ji ckQ" thaa "i^ater,; 

Jane 
I ''ve heard soo 

Ro chest Br 
You ana she ought tobegocd friencte^: She's a level/ oreaturs'- 
she ought- toin. site ms a good "wife,, Jane, a strapper - a real 
strajper, Jane^ a Jui-iO of a war..an-. My m. en will be working at 
Thorivfield soocij;, , Jane .t. 'Whar- with the GaptaJn arj.d Adele mar-. 
ri oa and - with me and - 

Jane 
I wan^ced to speak to you about r.hat ., you r Jjora.ship « i shall hoAre 
CO get another situation,, 

Ro Chester 
I ^all get one fo r youg Jane^, Xn a month 1 hope oo be a happy 
Ir^ri degroomo 

J a ne 
I shal3. culvert ise i]r.medicit£ly . I suppose in :;hs in re r ion X .jay » 
I coold find son-ieplace in the v 113 age to- (nearly breal^ing dov^n) 

Ro c hest e.r 

You must have in sane degree become atr,ached zo this jolc*. place, 
Janeo 



Rochester 

Jane 

Ro Chester 



Jane 
Inaeed T. jm a1:*ache<3. to ito 

Roc heater 
When Adele is mstrriea. « it may p rcr^/s very &aX2. here, 

Jane 
( Sighs) Aho 

Ro Chester 
Ihy 'chsfc slgh^ JaneJN Xs it in s \rear y anticipation of 'che aull= 
ness of Tho rnf ieia "■ shoul ft you remain? 

•3' a.D.e 
CAs'tom s?hea] Should gD?ffi(. r remain? 

Rochester 
YeSs you sseem horr ifitTa. at the prospects 

Jane 
No, only amazea^ 

And why? 

But you sre tobemarriea'- 

Ye s ., and v er y s to rt ly t oo „ 

JsjR.e. 
•7ell,, ny Lonij, tlii s will b e no place forme when you are married. 

Rochester 
Perhaps you are righc, but do you think of going to your Uncle in 
zhe West Indies? I understand you h^as an Uncle there. That will 
be a long journey, Jane^ 

Jane 
Yes, i t i s a long way off „ 

Roch&ster 
The broad ocean will then b e b etween you and your native land., 

J ari.e 
True'^ (Moved) 

Rochester 
A.nd b etween us alsOo 

J an e 
Aye , and b etwes n us o 

Ro Chester 
We shaJl know»= nothing more of one another,, 

Jl ns 
No ., no t hj.n g o 

Ro Chester 
And sha3.1nev9r- see one another againc 

Jane- 
No J ns^er ~ never^ (Sobbing) I grieve to leave Tho rnf ieldc I 
love Thornfield„ I love it because here I have led a fuU. and 
deia ^tfi.il li fe 5 mom ai tar tly at least, I've no r. b een tramped 
lap On, I ha?-e no t b een burled with infer io r minds . I doi 't wan-:- 
to - -co- go avay f r dn » you, I can see the necessity of de- 
parture »= but i c is like looking on the necessity of deatho 

Rochester 
Then why go at all .» why not stay? 

Jane 
(Passionately] 1 cell you 1 must g oi Do you think I can stay 
to become no thing to you. Do you chink because 1 an obscure., 
plain and little, I am soulless and heart less? You thinik wr onpi 



:c have as much sofJI. as you and ful.1 as muoh heart i And if God 
had gj.ft,sd me wir-h beauty and wealthy I -wculdhava made it as 
hard for you to leave m8„ as it. if' zxov forme to .leave yau« 
Let me tell you Lord Rochester 5 it is my spirit that adaresses 
jour s^.ritl JuPt as if ^ hsl both passed thraigh the grave and 
we sn oDd at God's fsetj i5iB,u.alj, fei3 v/a aro' 

Ro chaster 
As we are.» {Embrs-cing hsr and M ss Jng her) So " Jane« 

Jan© 
Yes «-• ??ir « and yet not so^ for you aro a married miBgap or as good 
as -M merrlodp and wad t attie infer ior to you <- to onQ m Lh whom 
you hERre no «>srApatlny, one -whom i do not b aJLiove you trvO-y love- 
for X h sva cssen and heard you Knser at hsr'o I wuld ssorn such 
a union,.; thsrefo r© I am b ett or T,han youo Iiet me g cv? 

Roc heater 

Y/here'? Jane? 

Jane 
Anywhere'o (Struggling) 

Rochester 
Jane^ be stilly dOiH, Struggle s 0^ liks a wild frantic bird 
v.hat. i 5! bur. shedding its plumage in i "ss wild striggJe for 
freedom'o 

Jane 
X a-n no bird and no net ensnares a\e« 1 sai a free humra being wi^>h 
an intependent will which 1 now exjact to leave you, (Breaks away) 

Rochester 
Bui-. Jane., I \^nt you for my wife« You are "ihe onebelag in ihis 
v/hf.)le -Aorldtomeo Jane,, won't you marr y m. eS* (Pause) Do you 
diOab & me Jane? 

Jane 
En t i re 3.y ,' 

Yoa have no fair.h in me? 



Ro Chester 

J a ne 



Ho T. 3 v/hl to 

Rochester 
Ai, I a liar in your eyes? ^■fh^, lo-vs hs/e I for this woiua? None, 
and that you know, What love has she forme? None « I tested 
thato I ccntrived that a report shDuld reach her diadi my boasted 
wealth v/ as .myth J. &hat J. was on the b rink of ruin ana ihe re&ult 
Y/a??. f r^pp ed frigidity frcm her ana. outrighi: insolent condescen- 
si on fr cm that sweet old lady, her mothero Jane. I want you. 
Say y es ^ please « quickly^^ 

Jane 
Lord Rochester, (Pause) Let me look in you r f acCo 

Ro Chester 
Why? 

•Jane 
Because I wano to read your ccunte nance ^ 

Rochester 
You'm find i t mo re legible th an a crtmp led page, Jane, don't 
torture me,. 

Jane 
How, can! do that if your offer be realo My only feelings must 
be fcrat itude and dev oliouo 



Ro Chester 
Gratitiiaeo Oh Jane acospt me quickly „ 

Jane 
Do you sin. csraly wish me t o b ecGn. e your -wJ-fe? 

Ro cher.tei' 
I SA.year i "ic 

J ane 
Then I v/ill b e yo-iir wl.fs.. 

Ro Chester 
Come tome then, dssir little v/crn en.. Come tome entirely no^ » 
make my happir.iess, X will make yoi.i... (They embrace) (Ri -^rs and 
Theociore enter) 

Ri^'ers 
Pard Qi for intemip SJng s o in teres te^-ng a tetec-^^a^t ete ,^ we will 
wi thciraw^ ( Ade 1 a e n ters ^ limp In g) 

Rochester 
KOy re main o X esteem this the happiest moment of my li fe „ 
(Mrs, Reeg, Georgisna^ and Brocklehurst enter,) Attention a]J. -> 
I present to you. ray raff iancea, wife, 

Mrso Reed., Georgiana & Brcckle hurst 
Jane Eyra'J 

Th effiore 
My cQigrat ulat ions to you bo th- 

Ade 1 e 
Ch Mademoiselle. 1 am so happy.. (Embraces Jane vftD has business 
v/ith her and Theodore) 

Ri ver s 
(Suppressed} Loi'd Rochester., wh.gt dcey thi s mean? 

Ro Chester 
It means that 1 h svs her and will hold her.^ 

Ri vers 
(Lo w s"i.:pp iBSsed) Y'ou and I bo th k.n.ow thi s m arr iage is impossib.le, 

Ro Chester 
(Rapid]^) Maru meddle .not with me, I f can d her friendless, cold, 
c On fort less 'o 1*3.1 charish her., X''3_l guard her '■■■■ I laiov/ my Maker 
saictions what 1 do^ format's opinion '^ I def y i tr. 

Sen/ ant 
(Enters) Dimier is servedc 

Roc hester 
(Turns to Jane) Come Jane= (Offers his arm., she takes it) (They 
go up and off„ follo-Viedby Ade le and Theodore) 

Mrs ,..v Reed 
(Imp ai^i ently) Well, Mr,,, E rocklehu.rgt ,, give me your arm uo dinner, 

BrOckleharst 
My dear m, alams X really h^m no appetite, (Sits on arm chair) 
To r.hink of i c., Jane Eyre, Jane Ey re o (MrSo Reed and Georgiana 
go off together... ind%nant Jly g, .leaviiig Brc-.:;kl.ehurst all broken up 
in chair) 



CURT _A T. N, 

U II fl II W II ii 



ACT iv; 

See ne ^st. 

Passage leading f r on vestry to charoh inter ior.-,^ Any a.g.rk 
Gothic interior ar cp wouia ao^ . Drop hung aboul; 1 3y'2.„ Dsrlc mngs 
slighcly obliqtiea to carry off» The only f arnl tv.re h savy o-ushion- 
ea bench little R« of C^ 

At rise:- Mrso Reeci. and Ge org i ana aifio ov^ refit. 

Mrsc R=S3(5. 
¥e are here to mtness her- aiscomf iture- 
Ge o rg i ana 
I shall Gake more pleas tire to watching hi r. ragec. It will be 
grand- His eyes will blaze and he'll look IJJz^ a Leventine pirats 
or Blade Bo thwe 11'.. I ccald a.'imo ti^ lo"!;e him v/h^'n hsgets that way:, 

Mrs o Reed 

Ge org i ana o 

Ge orgi aaa 
Oh I have no use for a m an unl ess he has a .spice of the aevil in 
himo 

Brocidsbu rst 
(Enters L\ rtibbing hi s h ands) ¥i ct cry., victory.- Mr,. Mason is 
arrived.. He has handed o\ier the attestation to Dro Rivers^ Ah., 
to=-day "Che necks of the wicked and the vain gJorious shall be bow- 
ed and the righteous shall prevail- (.To Rivers and Mas on who 
enter L,) Ah ge ni lemen^ this is a hsppy day.. Doctor, that -was 
a luclQr thought of mine, wasa 't it, v/asn't it? 

Rivers 
(Annoys) Mr. B rookie hi.irst 5 tW. s mtater doesn't cciicernyou in 
the least,. This ge rit le.cna.n. is here for che protect ion of his sis- 
ter,. I sm here for the p rotect ion f Mi ss Eyre^ Meither interest 
you_, so kindly go atte nd t o your own Bffa.irs- Mr., Mason, if you 
are nervDUS., g on into the clxirch, 1 inaJJ. caJl you if you are 
needed^ (Mason as its) (Rumble f carriage -wheel shear a off L., ) 

Ge orgiraa 
Ah, 'chey are here* Now for the fun.- (Pause) (Loh gngr in miarch 
pi i^ed) (Enter frouRo Theodore, frock ccat^ ^'.edding mBch, etc) 

Br Gckl.ehurst 
Locok . ^ that poppinj ay.^ (As Theodore crosses L,} (Pause) (Theodore 
meets Ro Chester „ Jane and Adele as b ridesmaJ.dja) 

Theodore 
l?elcome., The arrangements are conplefcSc The vicar lad the clerk- 
are already at the connnnion railSo 

Ro chaster 
Goodc Come Jane, lean on me, frcru this hoiir dates our bli. ssful 
iinion* (Bus„ ss they advance Ri -^ers .aavancfi^'S jtsd checks the.iji.) 

Rivers 
Stop, Lord Rochester ■= thismgrriage will not take place,. 

Roc host er- 
st an d a si (3e, 

Rivers 
I will no ta An insi5)erabls impsdJia a-ir. to thi K liiarr iage exi:;-:fcr,- 
you have a wife now living-; 

Ro Chester 
\7hat i s her name, her parentagej place of abodCc; 

Ri vei-s 
I will read you this dccunent., (Reads) '"1 >?jf iici and car;, pro've 
r.hat on the 2et h of October ., A^D, 185 3,, fiawsra Fairfac Ro chest erj^ 



Of Thomfieia Hall in Devon ^i re, England, was rnisr led to my sis- 
-cei\ Bertha Antoinetta Mason, aaughter of Jones Mason, merchant ^ 
ana Ancoinetta Mascsi., his x^ife ^ a creols, aft San Mastasius Ghuruh, 
Spaiish towx-L^ Jamaica, \'/ast IndLes,. The record of the marriage 
will be fcand on the register of that chnrch, a cqjy of which is 
now in nay possessions Signedj Richard M^isono" 

Ro Chester 
This may be a trick of yours',, '^^'here is the writer of that doc« 
t3ment'? 

Ri vers 
I will p rodtice him'n (Goes R) Mr,-, Mason s-cep here^ (Pause) 
(Mason enters) 

Re Chester 
You hound., «p awn of a lun eli c mo ther and degenerate father, Ch 
don '^t fear., I'll put my finger on you., I wculd as leave strike a 
womaiic Enough, 1^11 teH all, it shall cone out like a bullet 
from, a barrel. Bigamy's an ugly v/ord,. I meant however to be a 
bigamist p but Fate has' out manoeuvred me. It's time the woman I 
married stiD.l lives ^ She is the my ster ious lunatic up in Thorn^^ 
Held Tower,. Bertha Mason is a mal v/oi^^an; and she cones from a 
mad family of idiots and maniacs through three generations,, Her 
mothO" the creo3.es, was but a mad wcman and a drunk3aa.o I found 
that ou"c after I h ad wed the dai^hter, for they were si.lent on 
fanlly secrets beforeo All of you. go now and take a good look 
at her puiple face and bloated, featur-es ^ see her grwel on all 
fours J laugh like a hyena and jud ge whether she i s human or beas 
Go y e carrion crows., and gloat over the spectacle. Look at the 
red eye baJls of che dennon andconpare them with t he dear gaze of 
my b rdcie who "Vvss to bej thi s girl standing by my side^ and then 
judge me". Off with you.. Go take your peep into the pit of hell„ 
leave me alonej a.lon e v/ith her who knew notHng. suspected noth- 
ing '^ m.y innoceiit Jane, end let me make my pea^e with her <, (Goes 
up placiiig Jane who has half fainted on cmch == characters all 
withdraw save Br ocM.ehurst who finally is kicked out by Theodore, . 
v»5-iD allies after him) 

Ro Chester 
XYeXL Jane^, no woitl of rspro&c?i, (Pause) (Jane does noi: answer) 
I never meaiis to wouiid you. s 0= If the man who had bur, one littlt 
ewe lamb chat was dear to him as adaugrit-er, and had by seme mis-- 
itake sla"ughcersd i t in the b3.ood shanbles., he could not have 
i''uea i t mo re than l/ V/hy don't -you tellm. e, I am asc cundrelo 

J ane 
I cannoals I am tired and sick.-. 

Rochester 

We wlllgo avay fr cm th e stone hell of Tho rnf ield wi th it's insane 
fiend.v You are t o b e Mrs .^ Rochester both virtually and nomina].ly- 
I shall koep only to you so long as you and I li ve , We ^lall go 
to a place I have in the South of Era nce^, a/ilD-a on the shores of 
the Msdi terraneano There you shaJl live diappy g-xTSV^Kja guarded 
and most innocent life., Don't fear thatt I will c/?i sh to make 
jou my mi stress « 

Jane 
If I went V(dth you as you say., what v/oij.1 d 1 be- Your mfe is liv- 
ing ■" (\7i ch sudden burst of rears) God help me.^ God help me i 



Ro Chester 
Listen tome Janeg as qm et ]^r .md cajmly as you Gan« I was the 
sec end sGi of my father -who smghr. ho p rov jde for my future by a 
wealthy marriage". When X left cQ]..lege 1 waB paokea off to the 
West Indies to espousQ ta bride already cairUed formeo She is 
that gibbering, lo athes aD.e manJ.®c c cn.fin.aA in that st cne room in 
Thorn field Toi^ero Her miither died in ^.^i a. lunatic syliim.^ her bro- 
ther is now a dumb i diot'„ Insanity r-uns riot in che family, AJ.1 
th©e facts i learned after the marriage ^ For f cur ??■ ears I Lived 
with this Bertha Mason and dragged thraig h all. the hideous and de-^ 
grading agQiies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once 
in oe operate snd uncliaste,, My elder brother died and my father 
also« I was Lord RoclTester„ rich,, but. tifcKi by law and society to 
this woman,, and unable to free myse].f by l^galmeanSj, f or the 
doctors discovered that my wife was mad.o Her viceS3 her excess^ 
eSj had developed the germ of insianity.r That i s our boasted 
EngJi sh law„ 

Jane 
What did you do i,^en you f cund out that she was mad? 

Rochester 
I tried suicide but I failedo Then hope came tome, I chartered 
a vessel and coive yed her to England ard. secret ly brought her to 
Tho rnf ield lo^mr .j where she has no v/ been for ten years^, She has 
made her room a wild bea,sts den^ a gob3.in''s cell >» Rivers the 
Surgeon^ and Grace Poole are the only two I have ever admitted t^i' 
my cQ-i f i(^ ncer, 

Jarn-e 
Then what did you do? 

Ro Chester 
Like the will o' the wisp flitted all over the worlds f in al-ly came 
back to Thorrifield and m el; you,. Oh I tried dissipation until I 
found you« I recogjrd. zed your hon est y^ yoiir trul'.h -^ I said, here is 
cjy good ange J^ I loveft her, ^he Is the one womai in all this 
world tOmSo It i s b €cause I kn e.v and felt this that I resolved 
to marry you. To tell me that I had already a wife is empty mock" 
ery, you know now that 1 had but a hi de ous iSsmono But 1 fihould 
have heM nothing basko Cur love woildha/e been one of -she hol^. 
iest in the sight of Goda His S)iiil e weald have blessed our union.^ 
forbLcfdenby the laws of mai-j "C should hise asked to accept my 
pledge and have you g i"^"® meyouiSa Jane^ giv?? it to me now, 
(Pause) Why sre you silent, Jane? (Long Pause) (Bu sin ess) (Jane 
stands tremblingly irres dl.u ce , show.uig the struggle raging within'. 
Rochester attempts to take hei~ hands., she gently evades him) 
Jane J you understand what I want of you., just thi s p romi s e ., I 
will be yours Edwards (Long pause) (Gentry) Do you mean to go 
One way in the world and let me go another? 

Jane 
I do', 

Ro chest er 
(imbrac ing her) Do you m. ean i t nowo 

Jane 
I do', 

Rochester 
(Softly) (Kissing her foiBhead) And nowc 

Jane 
( Freeing herse If rapidly) T ao. 



Ro Chester 
Ch Jane, this is biT,tero It v/c?u.ia not b e wickea. to love me'o 

J an e 
I t woal a b e 1 ob ey y ou'o 

Ro Chester 
In mercy, dm 't don't <^ whta mm. I to do? 

J ane 
Do as I do. (Leaning on bench for aipport) Trust in God and your 
se3.fo Let us hope that we may meet in Heaven j. 

Ro Chester 
Oh you condexin me to .live wretched and die m&s. accursedo 

Jane 
I advise that we both shall li \e sinT.e3-s,, 

Ro ch est er 
(In agOny) Jane, you tear lo\?e and innocence f r on me„ You fling 
me back on lu et for a passion„ vice for an occipat ion, 

J ane 
I no more assign xhi s fate to you than grasp at it for myself o 

Ro Chester 
X s it better to transgress a mere human, law or to drive your 
fellow creature, whom you love ^ t o mi ser y^, to despair « you are 
alone in' this world, no ki thp no kin to offend, no frj.ends only 
ycu rse If 1 

Jane 
CPause) I care fiirmyse-lf^ I will respect my se 3f „ Do you think 
my body and soul don^t rise up in meeting 8.gainst; the religion, of 
that law made by God^ sanctioned by man--^ t hat i s b ecause I am mad 
my veins are rx&ming fire, my heart b eat jjig fastern than I can 
count its throb Sj, but I hawe been sane-^-^'t hen I received the lav/o 
That" law was m ado for moments of tenptationSj moments like this, 
that law i s all I have at thi s hour t o stand by =-■ there 1 plant 
my foot* (PausB 5 bus) (Rochester goes to her^ seizes her wrist, 
clasps her waists He i s trembling v/ith passion? she raises her ey- 
es to him, sigliB exhausted-ly, he holds h er- a moment) 

Rochester 
(Releases ha") (Sobs? } Come Jane, c one^ (Pause) (Bus) (Jane 
falter in gly moves away) You are going Jajie, you are leavingme„ 

Jane 
Yes, 

Ro ch est er 
(Turns away) Jane = my hope .■=■ my 3.ove ■--' my 3,ifeS^ (Tries t o con^o 
trol his convulsive sobs of a strong man in ag cny) 

Jane 
{\?ho has almost reached the entrance^ ^-valks back, kneels to him) 
(Kisses hishaid) God bless you my dear master, God keep you 
frcana tisrm and wroig, direct you^ solace you, and reward you for 
your past kindness to me% 

Roch^ter 
Jane's love would have b ee n my j^ b ffst reward withxir. it my heart 
is birds en= (Fall s on b ench^ she rises j stands by him,., anoothes 
Ms hairj kisses his cheek) (He rises, holds out his arms, but 
She evades his embrace and exits L, ) (Pause) (Rochester has business 
of aroising suddenly as out of a trance) , \Vhy - vAiy do I let her 
go? 1^11 fo3.1owher and yet the resolute, v/ild, free soul look" 
ing out of her eyest defies me«. with mo re 'chan courage, v/iiJh stern 
triumpho Ah, it is your spirit, wi'ch will and energy and virtue." 



purity s. that I want aid not your b ritt le fraxng: „ «>c 



i your- 



self you ccraia come, and ^th soft plight nestle against my heart 
if you ivouia- seized against your will you will elide the grasp 
Jj.lc'e an essence, vanish ere 1 irihala your essencce (Hurry music] 
{Murmuns ou ts icfe ) ( A^lar m b ell h eara soun (Sing) 

Theodor-e 
(Encersl Lord Rochester , The rrf ield Tower i s in fOsmes* 

Ro Chester 
In flanesi Let it burn t, 1 efc it buni„ 

Th e od ore 
Manj, are you mad? Wake fr cm your trance^ That degp er ate maniac 
eluding the vigilance of her keeper j Grace Poole, has fired the 
North To -wer,, There she stands on the batt tements v^ith f iendish 
screams, fighting with tooth and nails all vho attempt to save 
herV VJhafc-s to b e dene? 

Roc h^t er 
Let her p erish., It i s fitting/ The devil mil have his owno 

Theodoic! 
Lord Rochester « this frcm youl Then be it your task to call off 
for their own sakes her would b e rescuers before it is too late^. 

Rochet er 
(Rea3azing) Li\es p er i3.ed - aid for her? No^ nOj, thank you 
Theodore ■=. youVe recalled me tomyself« 2± Is My duty is before 
rxsgo I wi3,l save har- if 1 can-, I am Lord Ro chest er„ No man 
shall risk his life but the master. 

CHANGE CP SCENE, 



Scene 2ndo 

Full stage represents the fire in Thornfield Tower o 



Lgijadscape drop for backing 



3i:^d Story 



2nd Story 



To give idea of height and distance across the stage about 1 l/2 
runs a stone set piece five feet high supposed to represent 2nd 
story of castle^ Behind this about 3 another set piece about 12 
feet high with tower on R» platform behind this. Wood wings 
to mask on both sides. These set pieces painted old stone with 
ivy, old fashioned windDws throtig h whi ch flames are seen, plenty 
of smoke and all the usual fire effect^ try to get roar of flames 
etc, etc. Wind machine. Wood crash^ Shouts outside, bell 
ringing.^ "Don't gomy master, Lo rd Rochester" etc^, etco As 
the scene charges Ivlaniac woman seen on top of Tower R, at back 
waging her arns, screaming and 1 aug hing-, Rochester is seen toil- 
ing along fran Lo he is c©atless. He fight; s his way through -the 



sno k e an. cl f Isjaa s ^ ce.li ir.. g - « ) 

Rochester 
Be-^-ha- Br'-ri In'l ( Th p. ruiai si;- sees him, a ere am. s la a jumps from tower 
oif'^R;"coauterw6ighfc3a of coarse) (Rochester reaches thetop)^ G 
Gonei GoneJ Crr^hsa asad. aeacl on the st one s b elow« «.Move 
flames., et.o. Noi le c= vol ces ^ etc J 



.0. i ^ I -4 L N . 



A C T VV 

Three months lat-ere 

FerndearLs, a cottage on the Bo Chester ©state*, 

^ ^ ^ ,,.„„,, I-i§M-iK'J!S.^;^.M'£i?ijGS.».,.. - - — 

^ ^ IJeagfi Heo^e 



_JLQ5L4e^JiO£S.. 



ji 



2 



O '^^} O 



Lanoiscap 6 b aa'kingo Hefige' r©Tf/j op amng R.^ of Go (1) Set house 
8a p/ceps S:', (2') Tree with seat svirrcana-irxg it LoC's (3) Doo i' 
of housBe {4) Table si(2: two chairso Woo ^sd WingSo Baize 
grsKsJ maks s^ ■^mall table -vd-th pitcher and glasses RcO, 
Chaire,, Tin:iG;^' Late after rioon,. 

At rift:) .:;---= Theodora enters Avith Rivers frcHihouse.p 

Theodore 
Poor old chap ^ i t hurts my ccn. sr.ience to look at him. 

Rivers 
Why? 

Theodo re 
If it had not bean forme he would nes/er ha^/e imperiled his life 
so usslesff ly^, so vaim.y as i t p rcved, on. mat unfortunate days 
Tsrhe.a the -ft-eddteg waB interrupted and Jane left him,, he was dazed-, 
X mc&j.53d hira to hi i dtifcy as I sav;- it,, to the in^-. mcts of our 
race SD.d blood m we Sngli shne,ri f es 1 i t,, and the result is. Lord 
Rochester theprcwdj,. t-he strong y tls stalwai^t is now blind and 
orlpp led'« His athlat io stre.r;gthis quelled and hi s vigorous 
prime b31 ghtedo Doctorj yoii acted for the b est ,. but old fellow, I 
wisli you had arrived au hour later than jou did for hi s sake and 
for Jan8^=>'. 

Ri vers 
I h ad my duty also to pjsrf orr&c 

Theodore 
Yas J we both did \\hat yb ttought wa.s rigl^^ Do you think there 
is any hope thaii he wijJ. recover his sight';? 

Rivers 
Yaii J of on 5 of his ayeSj, but; the tenjpest raging wi 'Shin delays 
rec o\e r y'c 

The (d ere 
X can see i.u lii s countenance a desperate and brooding look,, like 
sojoe W3.1d b east or bird fettered and held captive o The caged 
e-agle wl:£) se gold riaged eyes crislty has extinguished might 3.ook 
as-:? dqes that sightlesB Sgm son.,- 

Rj. vers 
There is but one being in this world who can S}peed his reccnrery",. 



Theoaore 
Ja:ie,]c only ^'ane >-« I know it. 

Rivers 
She h ?^. been a devoted nurse ^ moving like a dumb servi tor about 
the place.,., cireless,, watchful. I- rejoiced on her absolute sil- 
ence X) r fear the knowledge of her presence might ^sc ite him, 
but the tjme has ccme for her to spaak t o him. 

Theodore 
But Jane now is rich, the death of her Unde has left her a 
wBa.lthy woman ■= she is young 3 bright^ clever - her wealth v/i]JL 
Iiavs a score of suitors for her hand. 

Rivers 
She will refuse than all. You do r.ot know her as I do. Her heart 
is cencered there^ (Poijni ts to cotlUage) I ^ all break the seal 
of si3. ence I have imposed on hei^ s '^ e^dayj I shall see her now", 
CBusinesSj, he pauses as if strtggJing with him se If , thai exits 
into cot;. age) 

Adele 
(Cutsife) nJ will have nozzing to say to you^ detestable allez, 
B.Jlez'o CrO away flfQii. me« You shalD. not see MadamoiseUe Jeanie, 
^he shall not be "boysaired" wiz you=, (Enters excite dJy R.U,E.) 
Mil Ths<-xiore. Theodorep oh Theodore^ drive away zat scelerat .« 
^'Pr oflJ. gat e) Zat villian. now^ (Rushes in t Theodore 's arms) 

Th eod ore 
Ga.lm yourself ma petite Adele... ( B r oc kl ehu rst enters very much 
d.lsheveled --= his net fcrdsai in;, clotlies dust y^ looking very dis- 
zep-a t abl s) Ohy it*s. you i s i t? Rr.lnking again? I always suspect. 
ed itc Now I knew i ta 

B r oc KL ehu rst 
Cap i a in 5,, you Bee before you the bearer of bad news a 

Th eodore 
I bel'. ©76 it., I always associated yourpreserce JBfth sooaething 
urpleaBanto 

Br ockle jria rst 
But my p xBsenaa to-day has riO^-hing to do with you<. 

T h e od cr e 
Then whgrfc the (tevi'I are you bo thsr ?ng me for^ and fr igl^tening my 
wife, 

Br ockJ.e hurst 
Con^t lose your ten|5er Gapta.ii'i. .-. Remeniber you kicked me once, but 
I did not deserve ito 

Theodore 
But if I kick you again you wi.ll desejrve ito 

Ade le 
lii ok him aga^ja^ Now Theodore^ oh kick him g^ain « just once 
for me'c 

Th eodore 
CGrtain.ly m.y darHngo (Chases Br ocM-ehurgt who runs from him. 
arou);j, d 'f: he tree 5 

Ade le 
N0W3 nowj spare him Theodore,, he is a cowards 

Br ocldeharst 
She-s rightj 1 ''m only brave moraHyj that is all« Your mfe 
with her imperfect kno w_ledge and her bad English mi sunderstood me 

Th e od ore 
Do you he^r Adele, he says your English is bad. 



Mele 
Ml., perhaps hebezzer be "keekal" after alio 

Br ock3,elm rs'c 
No J no pardon memaaame; I meant - 1 only asked her to help me to 
an i n te rv i ew wx th Mi s s Ryrs ,, 

Theodora 
And what can yda v/an'c, with Miss Eyrof 

Br iTcW. 3l-nrst 
\':iiat can X ^«ant with Mi a^. Eyre? Miy C«pt-o Grey, I am the men- 
tar of her youth- the valued guide of lat-sr yearso I would now- 
fain be her trusted cainsellor and adviser as to the disposition 
(S the wealth I understood she has Istel!?;- asquirsde 

Theodore 
That's very kind of you, but really ^ I dcn't think she wants 
to see youo 

Brocld.ehur?.t 
She wi3-l v/elcQne me m th open armSo i bring her the T«orst of news' 

Theodore 
You have a strarge idea of what will make you virelcome, B rocky, 

Br CO k].e hurst 
Her its cousin John has ccmmiT.ted smci!3.So 

Th e od ore ' 
She knows thatc 

Br cck3..eliirBt 
Knows i t? How- 
Theodore 
I told h err» 

Br CG klehu rst 
Yo-u«» 

Theodore 
Yes. don't ^hink that you are the only o3.d womaa in Devox^ire. 
I'm a bit of a gossip myseJ-fj eh,, Adele? 

Ade la ■ , 

An an5el<> (Emb racing him) 

Theodore 
Since I have been a married man,, vexj? talk of everything over our 
c\^ of tea 3, dcn*t w© Adele? 

Adele 
Al 1, mo n -Emp er o ro ( Bu s as b ef o re ) 

Brocklehurst 
Do js she know her Aunt Reed died of grief? 

Thecd ore 
Yes 5 she knows that too v. You see BrockJ:, you are decidedly super- 
flaouso 

B rocklehu rst 
(Desperately) Does she know that 1 want to borrow aome money of 
her"« 

Theodcre 
Ahj surprised «= now I. ixnderstand -^lat you mean by bad newso 
No, I don't think that she knows thato 

Brocklehurst 
There's a warrant out f or my arrest o 

Theodore 
That 's good news.. 

Br cc kLelxirst 
Officers are out on my track ^, 



Theodcr© 

Be ct er ancL b e it er , 

Brccl'leyurst 

They haT-e n't ca^ight me y et « 

Theoclo re- 
Worse end worse, Melej go into thehougeo 

BrockLe hurst 
And ce 31 Mi ss Ey re » 

Theodore 
Brocky., I must insist tint you do no c address lirs , Captain Grey 
T/i L-hcut my permissiono Adele^ not a iword of what you have heard, 

Adele 
(No cfe assent) Au revoir, "monhoro" (Exits into house) 

Th eodore 
Ifc w Bro cklehirst , by all that i s holy, tell me, what claim have 
you on Miss Eyre^ She whom you abused and plotted fr on child- 
hood to wQnarihood «- c one out vd. th i t man, display your logic* 

Br ocklehurst 
The scrip turES teaches u s we shDuld forgive our g-iemies. 

Th 6 od ore 
None of your hypocritical cant-. Now I h-\aen't patience -vath it. 
1 nstance me one friendly act of yours toward Jane Eyre, 

Br ocklehirst 
It was thrcugh my disco -very that the cerenony was broken off. 

Theodore 
Oh i c was 1 

Brocklehurst 
Yes.. 1 l^rned- of the name of Lord Rochester -s mysterious visi- 
tor ^ I Smelt a rat «=• bribed the coachnai who coiveyed him to 
Mi.lcoctej> "^ en Jane Eyre's engagement was announced I traced Mr, 
Mason to LondQij t oLd him of the news, learned that Lord Roches- 
cer was married t o his sister, 

Theodore 
AjTxd played the devil generally, and your motive was for Jane 
Ey re \s b enef it '» 

Br OG Ide Ik rst 
'^.'hy scanmotivsSp results are ifiiat I am after,, 

Theodore 
Wl at i s you r p rese nt cr Jme'c 

Er cc kL ehirst 
I an accused of the ccn vers ion of find belonging to the insti- 
cui^ion of LowDOdo 1 loaned Mrs <. Reed the greater portion of the 
moneys hoping to realize onehujidred per cent when Georgiana mar- 
ried Lo ig. Rochester* I think ttat Jane Eyre ought to fix this 
matter up» (Detective enters j stands watching L^U.E, BrcckLehuri 
a mom. entj cones davn) Because if she don't,^ and I'm arrested, 
I m3J. b e in » (Detective snaps handcuffs on him) a most hum"" 
iliating po sitiono (Detective takes him. by collar and wa.lk5 him 
off ) (Bro ckleha rst ccntinues talking as they ex it) That's all 
right, sir, 1 an a peaceful man, I'll give you no trcuble^ If 1 
could see Miss Eyre, etc., etc. (His vol oe dies av/ay in the 
dista nee) (Theodore goes up C<, watching them) (Pause) (Enter from 
•vhe hou ^, Jane and Rivers) 

Jane 
The a you think i t will b e b est « 



Rivers 
Yes., the scimd of you.r v trice,;, the. r-eiise o f your p re seme mil do 
more good than a ttousana doct ors', Me le j. s leading him out here 
then you take her place:. God blei^s yoxi Jane audb ring you all 
your h eg.rt ^s desi re ^ 

J' ans 
God bless you Erne.st <, my more than. br(i;her.. (Holds out her 

haid)(Muaic "You niay b reak you mja sht^er'- et.c) (Ri-vers stirred 
Y/ith eno tion-, b enfls over her haid mu'ce3y , kisses itj returns to 
dcxDr of hou.se ;, 1 aye finger on lips in warring gest ire) (Music) • 
(Enter Rochester b3,indj led by Adele^ he is hatless ^ he carries 
one arm in breast of coat , it is supposed to be mutilated) 
CReds on lights) 

Ade ].e 
Gome Mon sieiir,, I mil place you under the tree,, The sun is a3jiiost 
sets it mil soon be night, (Ri'vers exits into house) 

Rochester 
It is always night nowj, and will be f onime ever morBo Mele^ give 
me son 6 water, (Adele does so) (He drinks) \Tnere is that du.mb 
nurse, 

Ade].e 
I will find her., (Goes up to Theodore) (Bus) (They sxuent ) (Fause) 

Ja.ne 
\Till you have a li xt le more water ^ your Lo rdship o 

Rochester 
Alij, who is i tV liiftiat is it? Who speaks? Wliat delusion has come 
o ver men What sweet m^jiess has seized xa.e f. 

Jane 
No (feJusiouo No ET, a3.no5,s « Your min d i s too strong for delusion.,. 

Roc hest. e.v- 
(Reaching out) Wj:i<3r@ is the speak:erV Is tt only a voice? 1 
cannot see, but 1 must feel o r my heart will stop and my brain 
burst 'o (Jane takes hi s h and in bor, hof hers) Her v&'j fingers , 
ter small sDight fingers., if go^ there must b e mo rs of her "^ (He 
gropes arOLnds taich3.ng her nect'; 3tau3. derSg waist, finally draws 
her to him) Is it Jane? This is her d-ze^ 

Je ii3 
An (3 tlTi. s,^ hsr voia3£= She's aLl here^, her heart tco",, God bles^ 
you;, I '^m glad I am here'o 

Ro Chester 
Jane Ey re.« In truth;,, my living JanCc" 

Jane 
You holdm. e fast eisaghc; I'm not cold like a corpse nor vacant 
3.1 ke air a m 12 

Rochester 
lAy living dar3ing5 but X cannot b e blessed after all my misery,, 
you are sure you are not a dream cone to smock me? I feared you 
migh'G b e p ming outcast am.ong strargers« 

Jane 
No 5 I'm an independent rich won an no w^ My UndLe in the West 
Indies 3. ^t me his entire fortune^ 

Rochester 
Yoii vBre always in(?ependeiit Jane, but I an sorry to hear that 
you are x-, rich'o 

J ane 
Are you incfeed - and \tiy? 



^ • Rochester 

Because if you r^re poor, Jane, you might make up yoxr mind to 

s?T;^oindme and be my kind little nurse, but then as you are 

young and rich, and as 1 ought v. o look after your interests, I 
suppose 1 Should e«tert,ain none but fath^-ly feelings, f cr you« 
H0T,v I feel it my duty to advise you to « co » 

Jane 

To \h ^« 

Rochester 

To go and marry sone handscme younj mano 

Jane 
I don't care about being marriedo 

Rochester 
You shouJLdcare Jane'^Hf IwS^ewhat I once ires, I*d mlee you care 
but a sightless block- I suppose 1 an v ery hideou s Janeo 

Jane 
Very sir,, You always -ware you kncwo 

Rochester 
Youhayen'c lost your wickedness Jane wherever you have been- Ah 
ny sacred vi sicng my crippled strargth^ (Jane ki sses him) I am 
no better than the old oak ±sj® struck by lightning that night you 
saved my li fe j, Jane ^ and "sih^* right wau,ld that ruin have to bid 
abuca.iag 7/ood'^blne to co^;3r it, 's decay with freshness- 
Jane 
You are no ruin, sir, no li ghtnj.ng struck oak. You are green 
anO. ^ vigorous* You'll nQver want for frieniSo 

Ro ch est er 
Friends 5, JanSj I want a wifeo 

Jane 
Do you? 

Roc hester 
Yes , i s i t news t o you? 

Jane 
Of ccurse - you said nothing of it bef cre'o 

Ro c hest er 
Is i t unwelcome newsc 

Jane 
That depends on cirouta stances « on your choice » 

Rochet er 
Mate it form 65 Jane, I wiLl abide your decision, 

Jane 
Choose chen^ sir- who loves you the best a 

Rochester 
I vail at least chao se her I love b «t . Jane, will you marry meSL 

Jane 
Yes , EdwardV 

Ro Chester 
A poo r blind man whom you will have to lead around by the hand^, 

[ Jane 

Yes« 

Rochester 

Truly; 

Jane 
Trulyc To b e your wife i s for me to be as happy as I can b e on 
e art ho 



Rochester 
(Kisses her) I thank my Maker that in the midst of juagment He 

has remenbered mercy. PICTURE. 



C U R 1 A I_ N . 

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